SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Solicitor-General what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by the Law Officers' Departments were the subject of a holding answer in the last three sessions of Parliament.

Harriet Harman: The figures are as follows:
	
		
			  Percentage 
		
		
			 1998–99 0.8 
			 1999–2000 0.85 
			 2000–01 1.7

Dangerous Driving (Sentencing)

John Randall: To ask the Solicitor-General how many of the cases of causing death by dangerous driving whose sentences were considered to be unduly lenient have been referred to her by the court of appeal in each of the last five years.

Harriet Harman: Records for cases referred by the Law Officers as unduly lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal have only been maintained by category of offence since 2000. Four cases of death by dangerous driving were referred in 2000 and so far this year six cases have been referred to the Court of Appeal.

DEFENCE

Joint Strike Fighter

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how may jobs will be supported by the decision to proceed with the joint strike fighter in (a) the regions of England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales, (d) Northern Ireland and (e) the UK; and what information he has collated on how many jobs will be supported on a company basis.

Geoff Hoon: As I announced to the House on 29 October 2001, Official Report, column 514W, it is estimated that up to 3,500 jobs could be supported or created during the next phase of the Joint Strike Fighter project, rising to 8,500 in later phases. The detailed information requested is not held in the format requested. Officials are working to collate the information and I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Active Service

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the percentage of the (a) Army, (b) Navy and (c) Air Force which were committed to operations in each reporting period for each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: Since April 2000, the percentage of the trained strength committed to operations for each service has been collated on a quarterly basis. These percentages, which do not include personnel preparing for operations, recovering from operations, or engaged in training, are shown in the table.
	
		Percentage of trained strength committed to operations -- Percentage
		
			  Army Navy(1) Air Force 
		
		
			 2000–01
			 April-June 21.6 11.1 9.2 
			 July-September 22.7 13.8 9.0 
			 October-December 23.1 19.3 8.7 
			 January-March 24.4 10.8 8.5 
			 
			 2001–02
			 April-June 21.8 9.5 8.9 
			 July-September 25.6 8.4 9.8 
		
	
	(1) Including Marines
	For financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000, summary information on commitment levels can be found in the relevant Ministry of Defence Performance Report, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. Information for years predating the 1998 Strategic Defence Review is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. We remain determined to balance operational commitments and we will commit personnel to operations for no longer than is necessary to achieve the military aim. Recent operations in Macedonia demonstrated this well. To mitigate the demands placed upon those service personnel who are deployed on operations overseas, we have introduced a new and comprehensive package of welfare support.

Home Defence

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what review he has made of the need for home defence since the events of 11 September.

Adam Ingram: My right hon. Friend the Secretary for Defence informed the House on 4 October that the Ministry of Defence would be conducting work designed to ensure that we have the right concepts, forces and capabilities to deal with the kind of asymmetric threat that we saw on 11 September.
	This work is on-going and is addressing, among a wide range of issues, the balance between the contributions that the armed forces make to home defence and countering threats abroad. A key part of this work is exploring the role that the armed forces, including the reserves, have in defending and protecting the homeland.
	The lead for domestic security lies with the civil authorities, and with the police in particular. The armed forces already provide assistance to the civil authorities in a range of ways. In terms of classical territorial defence roles, the RAF is responsible for the defence of our airspace and the Royal Navy has a role in ensuring the integrity of our territorial waters.
	We are looking at whether we need to enhance the assistance we provide or build on our territorial defence roles. We are also reviewing the arrangements and level of co-ordination between the civil authorities and the armed forces in order to maximise the utility, and suitability, of responses to any future requests for assistance.

Armed Forces (Deployability)

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of each of the armed forces were deployable at the latest date for which figures are available.

Adam Ingram: As at 1 November 2001, the Navy had a trained strength of 37,176, of which 33,352 personnel were fully deployable and 1,638 were deployable with some limitations. The Regular Army, excluding Gurkhas and the Royal Irish, amounted to 96,255 personnel of whom 86,296 were fully deployable and an additional 7,042 deployable with some limitations. The RAF had a trained strength of 49,116 of which 45,245 were deployable.

Osama bin Laden

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on what discussions his Department had prior to 11 September with Pakistan Government officials regarding Osama bin Laden.

Geoff Hoon: The Defence Adviser in Islamabad discussed the al-Qaeda organisation in his routine contacts with Pakistan Government officials prior to 11 September.

Departmental Expenditure Limits

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the increase in the departmental expenditure limit from 2001–02 to 2002–03 will be accounted for by wage costs.

Adam Ingram: The level of wage costs in the Defence budget this year and in future years will be dependent upon the outcome of Pay Review Body reports and negotiations. The Department's performance report published in the autumn of next year will give full retrospective costs.

Vehicle Purchase

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what policy the Defence Procurement Agency adopts on supporting British manufacturing when purchasing vehicles.

Lewis Moonie: Competition is the cornerstone of the Ministry of Defence's procurement policy and this applies equally to the purchase of vehicles. Contracts are awarded on best overall value for money. Article 12 of the EC treaty requires that member states do not discriminate in favour of national suppliers. However, where there are exemptions under the regulations we make use of them.

Vehicle Purchase

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the financial benefits of bulk purchasing vehicles of one particular model for the MOD police.

Lewis Moonie: The Ministry of Defence police require a range of vehicle types to meet operational needs. When assessing which vehicle represents best value for money against a particular requirement, the bulk purchase discounts offered by manufacturers are taken into account.

Spanish Airspace

Syd Rapson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost (a) per flight on average and (b) on an annual basis since 1977 of the fuel consumption caused by military aircraft having to avoid Spanish airspace.

Adam Ingram: The information requested is not held and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Armed Forces Headquarters

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when an announcement will be made concerning the relocation of 51 Brigade headquarters.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence is examining the roles and responsibilities of the regional brigade structure of which 51 Brigade is part. No decisions have yet been made but I hope to be in a position to make an announcement shortly.

Contracts

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contracts in excess of £5 million have been signed, awarded or novated to (a) Matra BAE Dynamics and (b) consortia in which Matra BAE Dynamics is a member since January 1997; what the approximate value is of each contract; what the in-service dates were when contracts were announced; and what they are now anticipated to be.

Lewis Moonie: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

War Pensions

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed forces personnel have been granted a war pension from the War Pensions Agency in the last year; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: A claim for war disablement pension may only be made after discharge from the armed forces. During the year April 2000 to March 2001 6,384 awards of war pension were made to former members of the armed forces. For the period April 2001 to September 2001 3,221 awards were made.

Specialised Reservists

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the specialised reservists called out on 11 October were mobilised; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: A Call-out Order was signed on 11 October under section 54 of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 (RFA 96) to permit reservists to be called out for permanent service on operations arising from the terrorist attacks in the United States of America. Since then 51 reservists from all three services have been called out on various dates, of whom 46 have come into service. Of that 46, three have completed their tasking and been transferred to another operation. In addition, five Sponsored Reserves from the Royal Air Force's Mobile Meteorological Unit have been called out under separate powers contained in section 43 (1) of RFA 96. We expect to call out more reservists as the operation progresses.

Recruitment

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on recruitment and retention in the (a) (i) Coldstream Guards and (ii) Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters' Regiment and (b) (1) Royal Scots and (2) Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment.

Adam Ingram: Recruitment to Infantry regiments is at about the same level this year as last. To the end of October 2001, the Army has recruited to just about 50 per cent. of target for all Infantry Divisions. Although retention data are not centrally collected at regimental level, indications are that recruitment to the specific regiments mentioned is satisfactory and on a par with last year.
	Retention in the Army overall is currently holding steady. We expect (and need) an acceptable level of outflow in order to achieve the required manning profile. The premature voluntary exit of other ranks has fallen to 6.1 per cent. over the last 12 months. The rate for officer outflow has remained steady at 4.4 per cent. This maintains the historically very good performance and is well below the peak experienced at the beginning of the 1990s.

Depleted Uranium

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what warnings about depleted uranium hazards have been given to (a) UK and other allied forces troops, (b) UK and international aid and media organisations and (c) civilian communities and military organisations likely to be exposed to depleted uranium contamination in Afghanistan.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 6 December 2001
	We are not aware that DU has been used in the current conflict by the Coalition, nor are we aware of any plans for it to be used. We have no information about the use of DU in previous conflicts in Afghanistan.
	In the event that it is used in future, suitable guidance will be available to UK deployed forces. It will be for other nations to take similar actions with their own forces as they see necessary. The Coalition will also liaise with the Afghan authorities and human relief agencies in the event that there is a need to issue guidance to the Afghan population.

Whale Island, Portsmouth

Syd Rapson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future occupancy of Whale Island, Portsmouth, with special reference to the (a) Royal Marines and (b) Royal Marine Band.

Adam Ingram: The functions of the Headquarters Royal Marines, currently based on Whale Island, will be subsumed by the new, fully integrated Fleet Headquarters which will be formed in the Portsmouth area in April 2002. The headquarters is planned to occupy purpose- built accommodation on Whale Island from the end of 2003.
	The band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines will remain located in Her Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth.
	In addition, Whale Island will continue to be used as a site for Naval training.

Golden Jubilee

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken to ensure sufficient soldiers, sailors and airmen are available to celebrate the Golden Jubilee in London.

Adam Ingram: I can confirm that sufficient personnel will be available to meet the requirement.

Golden Jubilee

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Commonwealth troops are expected to participate in the London celebrations of Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee; and how many participated in 1977.

Adam Ingram: None. Similarly, no Commonwealth troops took part in the London celebrations for the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977.

Golden Jubilee

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) military bands and (b) armed service personnel will participate in the London celebrations of Her Majesty's the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2001.

Adam Ingram: Detailed planning for the London celebrations of the Queen's Golden Jubilee that will take place between 1 June and 4 June 2001, with particular reference to the armed forces, is still on-going, though the armed forces will play a significant role in the proceedings.

Golden Jubilee

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Commonwealth countries have been invited to send troops to participate in the London celebrations of Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Adam Ingram: None.

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by his Department were the subject of a holding answer in the last three sessions of Parliament.

Lewis Moonie: The percentage of parliamentary questions replied to that received a holding answer in the last three sessions is as follows:
	
		
			 Session dates Percentage of holding replies 
		
		
			 24 November 1998—11 November 1999 21 
			 17 November 1999—30 November 2000 21 
			 6 December 2000—14 May 2001 21 
		
	
	The percentages include replies that gave an undertaking to answer shortly or to write. It should be noted that some questions might have been answered in part and also gave an undertaking to write.

Nuclear Transport

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given to the suspension of nuclear transport since the terrorist attacks on the USA on 11 September.

Adam Ingram: The security arrangements for the transportation of Ministry of Defence nuclear materials, which take particular account of the threat of an attack by armed terrorists, have been kept under constant review since their inception. These security arrangements include a review of the threat prior to the movement of these materials and a mechanism to provide for a speedy decision to suspend the operation if it is deemed necessary to do so. Suspension has not been considered necessary since 11 September, although due account has been taken of the changed threat environment.

Iraq

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Her Majesty's Government have evidence that Iraq is in breach of United Nations resolutions on the (a) procurement, (b) possession and (c) manufacture of weapons of mass destruction.

Ben Bradshaw: I have been asked to reply.
	In their final report following withdrawal from Iraq in December 1998, UNSCOM noted that Iraq still retained a significant WMD capability. There have been no independent inspections since then. We assess that Iraq still has that capability. There is considerable circumstantial evidence that Iraq is engaged in a programme of rebuilding manufacturing facilities disabled by UNSCOM and those destroyed during Operation Desert Fox in December 1998.
	In line with exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, I cannot provide any fuller details of our knowledge of Iraq's current activities.

Base Security

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he perceives a heightened risk of terrorist attack on private houses located adjacent to high security military bases; and what consideration he has made of whether proximity to high security military bases should be a consideration during the planning process.

David Blunkett: I have been asked to reply.
	Threat and risk assessments are conducted on a regular basis and incorporate intelligence assessments together with a range of other factors. Police contingency planning, which gives priority to prevention, takes account of all types of threat.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

Staff Passes

Andrew Dismore: To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what plans he has to review the number of passes available to hon. Members for their staff following the recent changes in staffing levels consequent on the SSRB report; and if he will make a statement.

Archy Kirkwood: I understand that the principles underlying the issue of photo-identity passes to Members' staff were considered by the Administration Committee on 14 November 2001 in the context of the recommendation of the SSRB report that hon. Members should be enabled to employ up to the equivalent of three full-time staff. I also understand that the Committee agreed that the current regulation approved by the House in 1989 whereby no hon. Member is entitled to apply for a photo-identity pass for more than three individual members of their personal staff may be interpreted to take account of job-share and part-time staff. The Commission has no plans to carry out a further review of the number of passes available to hon. Members for their staff at present.

Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards

David Winnick: To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if further discussions are to take place with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards regarding her continuation in office; and if he will make a statement.

Archy Kirkwood: The Commission's intentions are as set out in my reply to the hon. Member for Broxbourne (Mrs. Roe) on 18 October 2001, Official Report, column 1285W. Since then, the present Commissioner has indicated that she does not wish to enter the selection process.

Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards

David Winnick: To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what communication he has received from the Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life regarding the post of Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

Archy Kirkwood: Sir Nigel Wicks wrote on 29 November to Mr. Speaker as Chairman of the House of Commons Commission. Sir Nigel has placed the letter on the Committee on Standards in Public Life website.

Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards

David Winnick: To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, when it is proposed for the Commission to next discuss the post of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards; and if he will make a statement.

Archy Kirkwood: The Commission will discuss this matter at its next meeting.

Advisory Committee on Works of Art

Kevin McNamara: To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, who sits on the House of Commons Advisory Committee on Works of Art; when this Committee was established and who its Chairman is; if he will (a) publish the minutes of meetings of this body and (b) place them in the Library; how many times the Committee has met in the past two years; what plans he has to make the work of the Committee more public; what the criteria are for commissioning and purchasing artworks for the House; what the mechanisms are for consultation about purchasing policy; what steps (i) hon. Members and (ii) members of the public may take to nominate a particular work of art to be (A) purchased and (B) borrowed for display in the House; what is the value of works of art (1) on display and (2) in storage in the Parliamentary estate; and what is the value of purchases of artworks in each of the buildings that comprise the Parliamentary estate in each of the last three years.

Archy Kirkwood: I am informed that the Speaker's Advisory Committee on Works of Art was established in 1956, in response to a report on works of art in the House of Commons by a committee chaired by Viscount Hinchingbrooke. Mr. Speaker appointed the following hon. Members to the current Advisory Committee on 11 July 2001:
	Mr. Tony Banks
	Mr. John Burnett
	Frank Cook
	Mr. Mark Fisher
	Mr. Robert Jackson
	Mr. Hugo Swire
	Mr. Michael Trend
	Derek Wyatt.
	The Committee elected Mr. Banks as Chairman at its meeting on 18 July 2001.
	Under the Committee's terms of reference, which have been endorsed by the Commission, the Committee shall:
	(a) advise Mr. Speaker on any matters relating to works of art in general which he might consider appropriate;
	(b) each year, approve the conservation and curatorial programme for the historic collection of works of art, furniture and frescoes etc;
	(c) consider the policy on the future of the collections and on the historic decorative interior and report from time to time to the Accommodation and Works Committee; and
	(d) at the request of the Domestic Committees, advise on proposed changes to the historic decorative interior of the Palace and other matters connected with the parliamentary estate.
	In addition, the expenditure of that part of the House of Commons: Administration Estimate for the acquisition of new works of art is delegated to the Committee.
	I am informed that the Committee has met on 11 occasions since 1 December 1999. It is not the Committee's practice to publish minutes of its meetings or place them in the Library. The Chairman is a member of the Accommodation and Works Committee and reports regularly to that Committee on the work of the Advisory Committee. I will invite the House of Commons Commission to consider what information could usefully be published in its annual report. The Committee is keen to make the content of the Permanent Collection of Works of Art more widely known both inside and outside Parliament. Press releases are issued to publicise important new acquisitions or the acceptance into the Collection of significant commissions.
	The Committee seeks to acquire for the Collection works of art which illustrate the history of Parliament, which are of outstanding artistic quality and which represent good value for money. The Committee seeks in particular to acquire representations of Prime Ministers and party leaders. Expert advice on the artistic and material quality of potential purchases is sought from the Honorary Advisers to the Committee, the Curator and his staff and, where appropriate, directors of relevant national institutions. The Chairman welcomes suggestions from hon. Members and from members of the public for purchases or loans. He wrote to all hon. Members in April this year inviting them to put forward suggestions for inclusion on a new acquisition list.
	No assessment has been made of the total market value of works of art on display in the parliamentary estate, but works in store are worth approximately £50,000. For the estate over the last three years the value of purchases was:
	
		
			 Year £ 
		
		
			 1998–99 62,653 
			 1999–2000 69,904 
			 2000–01 60,046 
		
	
	In addition, a special purchasing budget was approved for the House of Commons in respect of Portcullis House. Expenditure in the last three years was:
	
		
			 Year £ 
		
		
			 1998–99 18,500 
			 1999–2000 90,711 
			 2000–01 99,823

WALES

Correspondence

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many, and what proportion of letters received by the Department from hon. and right hon. Members between 20 June and 20 July were replied to in (a) under 15, (b) under 20, (c) under 30, (d) under 40 and (e) over 40 working days.

Paul Murphy: The information requested is set out in the table:
	
		
			 Days Correspondence answered 
		
		
			 Under 15 2 
			 16–19 0 
			 20–29 1 
			 30–39 0 
			 40 or more 0

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by the Wales Office were the subject of a holding answer in the last three parliamentary sessions.

Paul Murphy: 1,345 questions were tabled for answer by my Department during the last three parliamentary sessions, of which 2.9 per cent. received a holding answer.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Correspondence

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  how many and what proportion of letters received by his Department between 20 June and 20 July were replied to (a) in under 15, (b) in under 20, (c) in under 30, (d) in under 40 and (e) in over 40 working days;
	(2)  how many, and what proportion of letters received by the Department from right hon. and hon. Members between 20 June and 20 July were replied to in (a) under 15, (b) under 20, (c) under 30, (d) under 40 and (e) over 40 working days.

John Reid: The information is as follows:
	(a) in under 15 working days—21 letters—55 per cent.
	(b) in under 20 working days—six letters—16 per cent.
	(c) in under 30 working days—five letters—13 per cent.
	(d) in under 40 working days—three letters—8 per cent.
	(e) in over 40 working days—three letters—8 per cent.

Correspondence

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many letters his Department received from hon. and right hon. Members between 20 June and 20 July.

John Reid: I received 38 letters from Members of Parliament in this period.

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by his Department were the subject of a holding answer in the last three sessions of Parliament.

John Reid: The information requested is not readily available and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

Police

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many members of the Police Reserve are stationed at each police station; and what percentage this represents of the total number of officers posted at these respective stations.

Jane Kennedy: Under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information it would be inappropriate to comment.

Police

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to introduce the Airwave system of communication to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Jane Kennedy: There are no plans to introduce the Airwave system of communications to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. However, the Police Service of Northern Ireland is planning to procure its own digital trunked radio system in partnership with other emergency services in Northern Ireland.

Police

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many emblems were (a) produced and (b) published for consultation as the new badge for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Jane Kennedy: The Secretary of State commissioned a number of designers to come forward with a range of proposals. The process involved the development of a number of design concepts and themes. In all about seven different themes were explored.
	Seven illustrative designs were published to assist consultation on the draft Emblems and Flags Regulations.

Police

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will place the minutes of the Northern Ireland Police Authority in the public domain; what measures he has taken to ensure meetings of the PSNI Policing Board are open to the public; and how reports of Policing Board meetings will be published.

Jane Kennedy: Minutes of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland's meetings with the Chief Constable have been published since 1997 under the Authority's Code of Openness.
	Paragraph 19 of Schedule 1 to the Police (Northern Ireland) Act requires the Policing Board to hold at least 10 public meetings each year. The first public board meeting was held on 7 November at the board's headquarters in Belfast.
	The board is currently establishing its committee structures and will formulate a policy on how reports of its meetings will be published.

Police

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average cost is per applicant to the new police service of Northern Ireland recruitment competition.

Jane Kennedy: The recruitment agent is contracted to run two recruitment competitions, with the costs spread across both competitions. It is not therefore possible to quantify the cost per applicant in the first competition alone.

Stamp Duty

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what criteria were used to identify the wards in Northern Ireland in which stamp duty will no longer be paid on properties up to the value of £150,000.

Paul Boateng: I have been asked to reply.
	The qualifying areas were identified by reference to "Measures of Deprivation in Northern Ireland 2001".

Paramilitary Violence

Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on present levels of (a) terrorist violence and (b) community unrest.

Jane Kennedy: We continue to monitor the activities of all paramilitary groups who are on ceasefire. The loyalist UDA/UFF, and the LVF, were specified on 23 October, and a threat remains from disaffected elements within loyalism who continue with their campaign to disrupt the peace process. The ceasefires of the main republican paramilitary groups are believed to be holding though there is a significant threat from dissident republicans. Community tensions remain high throughout Northern Ireland, but more particularly, within interface areas in north Belfast where there have been ongoing sectarian attacks carried out by rival factions on both sides of the community.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

UK Caribbean Overseas Territories (HIV/AIDS)

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 14 November 2001, Official Report, column 776W, if she will outline the conclusions reached at the CARICOM meeting held in St. Lucia in November regarding future HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation programmes in (a) the Turks and Caicos, (b) the UK Virgin Islands, (c) Montserrat, (d) Anguilla and (e) US Virgin Islands of the Caribbean.

Clare Short: The CARICOM meeting held in St. Lucia last month focused on the revision of the Caribbean Regional Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS to take account of the outcome of the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS and the Nassau Declaration of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in July this year. It also discussed the need to develop an appropriate structure to co-ordinate the implementation of the Regional Strategic Plan. DFID has offered support to the CARICOM Secretariat in both of these areas. The St. Lucia meeting did not specifically discuss country level programmes.
	We are currently funding a £516,000 project with the Caribbean Regional Epidemiological Centre (CAREC) to strengthen HIV/AIDS/STD case management, support the development of behavioural, communications and information interventions for vulnerable groups, strengthen the management of national AIDS programmes and improve epidemiological surveillance in the UK Caribbean Overseas Territories. Montserrat, Anguilla, the British Virgin Island and the Turks and Caicos Islands are the primary beneficiaries of this project. The CAREC programme forms a key component of the Caribbean Regional Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS and a £1.7 million extension of our support, taking it to 2005, is currently being developed in collaboration with CAREC.

Zimbabwe (Malnutrition)

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate she has made of the number of deaths from malnutrition in Zimbabwe in 2001; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: According to a national survey carried out by the Ministry of Health in 2000, 29 per cent. of children aged six months to six years were chronically malnourished. However, the situation is deteriorating. A recent World Food Programme assessment concluded that due to the combined effects of the highest incidence rate of HIV/AIDS in the world (35 per cent. of the population are infected), the deteriorating economic situation and reduction in food production, approximately 35 per cent. of the population, or about 700,000 people, now have inadequate income to procure sufficient food to meet basic needs. The UK Government have committed £4 million to supplementary feeding programmes working through non-governmental channels.

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by her Department were the subject of a holding answer in the last three Sessions of Parliament.

Clare Short: Over the last three Sessions of Parliament 20 per cent. of parliamentary questions put down to my Department have been the subject of a holding reply.

New Partnership for African Development

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the New Partnership for African Development with regard to Togo.

Clare Short: The New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) is an Africa-wide initiative that does not focus on specific countries. NEPAD has set up teams to work on five areas, which are capacity building on peace and security, economic and corporate governance, infrastructure, central bank and financial standards, and agriculture and market access. Togo is not a member of the NEPAD Steering Committee or Implementation Committee. If Togo implements the principles set out by NEPAD, it should also benefit from the faster progress in development and poverty reduction that will ensue.

New Partnership for African Development

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the progress of the New Partnership for African Development in Nigeria.

Clare Short: The New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), is an Africa-wide initiative, that does not focus on specific countries. Nigeria is one of the five members of the NEPAD Steering Committee, and therefore takes a leading role in NEPAD activities. NEPAD has set up teams to work on five areas, which are capacity building on peace and security, economic and corporate governance, infrastructure, central bank and financial standards, and agriculture and market access. Work on these areas should bring benefits to Nigeria, as it will to other countries in Africa.

Departmental Sickness

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many days were lost due to sickness absence in the Department in each of the last four years.

Clare Short: Days lost owing to sickness absence in the Department in each of the last four years were as follows:
	
		
			 Year Number 
		
		
			 1997 9,276 
			 1998 8,691 
			 1999 9,276 
			 2000 8,399

China

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what terms and conditions her Department attaches to agreements with non-governmental organisations working in China in relation to (a) human rights and (b) family planning policy.

Clare Short: My Department is committed to a rights-based approach to development, based on three principles of participation, inclusion and obligation. We actively seek to promote this approach in all the work which we do anywhere in the world, including in China, and with all partners, including non-governmental organisations.
	UK assistance for reproductive health programmes anywhere in the world is provided in line with the principles of free and informed choice set out at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo in 1994. We provide a core contribution to the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) in order to support its work in some 140 countries, including China. It is a prerequisite for membership of the IPPF that affiliate family planning associations agree to provide information and services in line with ICPD principles.

New Deal (Young People)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people are employed by the Department under the New Deal for Young People; and at what cost to public funds.

Clare Short: One member of staff is employed by DFID under the New Deal for Young People. The costs to public funds in the current financial year is estimated to be £10,626.

Africa Private Infrastructure Finance Facility

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the work done by the Africa Private Infrastructure Finance Facility.

Clare Short: The Africa Private Infrastructure Finance Facility (APIFF) is due to be established by the end of December 2001. It is, therefore, not yet operational. The overall aim of APIFF will be to improve private sector delivery of infrastructure services in Sub-Saharan Africa, leading to economic growth and increased access for the poor.

World Trade Organisation

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions her Department has had with the World Trade Organisation on increasing the representation of developing countries in the WTO.

Clare Short: We are in regular touch with the WTO on this issue, most recently on 7 December.
	The UK is in favour of the expansion of AITIC, the Swiss NGO which has been supporting resource- constrained WTO members since 1998, into a broader- based organisation with a wider mandate than at present. We worked closely on this with other donors in the run-up to the WTO Ministerial meeting at Doha. At the Ministerial, an important commitment was made by a range of beneficiaries and donors to establish a task force on AITIC's future development. The first meeting took place on 7 December in Geneva. The WTO was represented. Some of the £1 million available from my Department to support countries which are under-represented in Geneva (which I announced on 7 November) might assist this work.
	We also hope that AITIC might take forward some of the constructive recommendations made by John Weekes' "Study on the Assistance and Representation needs of the Developing Countries without WTO Permanent Representation in Geneva" (published in August 2001), which my Department part-funded through the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Departmental Expenditure Limit

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of the increase in the departmental expenditure limit from 2001–02 to 2002–03 will be accounted for by wage costs.

Clare Short: The level of wage costs within departmental budgets this year and in future years will be dependent upon negotiations. Departmental reports published next spring will give full retrospective costs.

Togo

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on reports of civil and political rights abuses in Togo.

Ben Bradshaw: I have been asked to reply.
	We deplore the present situation in Togo, where there have been grave human rights abuses.
	The European Community suspended aid to Togo in 1993. We are working closely with EU partners to maintain pressure on the Togolese Government to observe the principles of democracy and human rights. In October the EU issued a public statement raising its concerns about the deteriorating political atmosphere, stressing the need for the parliamentary elections scheduled for early 2002 to be held in a free and transparent manner, and calling for the unconditional release of an opposition party leader still held in detention.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

September 11

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many families she has met of the victims of the 11 September events.

Tessa Jowell: I have been co-ordinating work to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place in the UK and US to support the families of UK victims and of those victims with close links to the UK. The present estimate is that 78 such families lost a relative. I have met many of them—here and in New York.

Departmental Sickness

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many days were lost owing to sickness absence in her Department in each of the last four years.

Kim Howells: The information is set out in the following table. The figures for the current year cover the period up to 30 November.
	
		
			 Year Number of days absence 
		
		
			 1998 3,127 
			 1999 3,191 
			 2000 3,599 
			 2001 2,991

Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens

David Hinchliffe: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has made to seek to ensure that the 2002 Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens are open to teams from both codes of rugby; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: holding answer 6 December 2001
	Decisions on the sports at the Games are taken by the Commonwealth Games Federation who agreed with the Commonwealth Games Council for England and the host organisers to include Rugby Sevens in Manchester next year.
	Rugby Sevens is governed in England by the Rugby Football Union. They set eligibility criteria in association with the international rugby union governing body. These restrict them to selecting the England team from members of affiliated clubs.

Civil Servants

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many civil servants have left her Department as a result of (a) voluntary, (b) statutory retirement, (c) dismissal and (d) employment outside the Civil Service in each of the last five years.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 6 December 2001
	The information is set out in the table. The figures for the current year cover the period up to 30 November.
	
		
			 Year Voluntary Statutory retirement DismissalEmployment outside civil service 
		
		
			 1997 32 2 — 15 
			 1998 36 5 — 18 
			 1999 34 4 1 16 
			 2000 46 3 1 19 
			 2001 41 2 — 16

Civil Servants

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many civil servants have (a) transferred at their own request and (b) otherwise been transferred (i) from another Department to her Department, and (ii) from her Department to another Department, in each of the last five years.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 6 December 2001
	The information is set out in the following table. The figures for the current year cover the period up to 30 November.
	
		
			Own request  Been transferred  
			 Year to DCMS from DCMS to DCMS from DCMS 
		
		
			 1997 6 3 — 22 
			 1998 3 8 — — 
			 1999 4 6 — — 
			 2000 4 8 — — 
			 2001 9 17 46 —

Ministerial Duties

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which film showings (a) she and (b) other Ministers in her Department have attended in an official capacity since 8 June; and what was the (i) purpose and (ii) date of each attendance.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 6 December 2001
	My hon. Friend the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting and I attended a showing of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" on 13 November 2001. In addition, my hon. Friend also attended a showing of Gas Attack on 3 October 2001 and the opening night gala screening of Gosford Park at the London Film Festival on 7 November 2001 and we have both attended the cinema in a private capacity.

Ministerial Duties

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which countries (a) she and (b) other Ministers in her Department have visited in an official capacity since 8 June; and what was the (i) purpose and (ii) date of the visits.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 6 December 2001
	The information the hon. Gentleman requested is shown in the following table.
	
		
			 Date Minister Country Purpose 
		
		
			 21 June 2001 Minister of State for the Arts Luxembourg EU Council of Ministers meeting on Culture and Audiovisual matters 
			 1–2 July 2001 Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting Belgium EU Presidency Tourism Summit 
			 2–8 August 2001 Minister of State for Sport Canada World Athletics Championships 
			 1–2 September 2001 Minister of State for Sport Germany Germany v. England World Cup qualifier 
			 9–10 September 2001 Minister of State for the Arts Germany Opening of Berlin's Jewish Museum and meeting with Julian Nida-Rumelin 
			 26–27 September 2001 Secretary of State USA Supporting British families of victims of September 11 
			 14–17 October 2001 Secretary of State USA UKwithNY and supporting British families of victims of September 11 
			 27–28 October 2001 Secretary of State USA Remembrance Service for victims of September 11 
			 30–31 October 2001 Minister of State for the Arts France UNESCO World Heritage Committee elections 
			 5 November 2001 Minister of State for the Arts Belgium EU Council of Ministers meeting on Culture and Audiovisual matters 
			 12 November 2001 Minister of State for Sport Belgium EU Ministerial Conference on Sport 
			 23 November–1 December 2001 Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting Canada/USA Promotion of UK Tourism and Creative Industries 
			 3 December 2001 Minister of State for the Arts Ireland Meeting with the Irish Prime Minister, to discuss the 2002 Irish Special Olympics

Staff Training

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on opportunities for staff training in her Department.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 6 December 2001
	My Department has Investors in People accreditation and is committed to providing opportunities for staff development. Through the annual appraisal system staff identify their own training and development needs. Both formal and informal opportunities are provided for staff. Formal opportunities include bought-in training from bodies like the Government's Centre for Management and Policy Studies, and courses delivered by DCMS's in-house trainers. Informal opportunities include shadowing, secondments and coaching.

Press Notices

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what determines (a) whether a press notice issued by her Department is placed on the Department's website and (b) how long a press notice issued by her Department remains on the Department's website.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 6 December 2001
	Press notices publicising policy announcements and statements appear on the department's website www.culture.gov.uk. Operational notices, inviting the media to launches or events, are sent directly to the media and are not posted on the website. Press notices dating back to 1999 are archived on the website. Earlier releases are available from my department's Press Office.

Yorkshire Cultural Consortium

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what has been the cost of establishing the Yorkshire Cultural Consortium.

Kim Howells: At 6 December 2001, the Yorkshire Cultural Consortium had spent £39,000 from the budget allocated to it by my Department. It has also been helped by a grant of £30,000 from Yorkshire Forward. Much of the money spent so far has gone towards the research and publication of the Consortium's strategy 'Deep Roots, Real Achievements, Lofty Ambitions' which was published on 13 November.
	Note
	Figures have been rounded to the nearest £1,000.

New Deal (Young People)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people are employed by the Department under the New Deal for Young People; and at what cost to public funds.

Kim Howells: There are currently no staff employed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport under the New Deal for Young People.

Announcements

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what announcements her Department is planning to make between 19 December and 8 January.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 6 December 2001
	Final decisions on any announcements for this period will be taken nearer the time.

Commonwealth Games

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the process which resulted in Manchester City Football Club being chosen as the final occupier of the Commonwealth Games Stadium in Manchester.

Richard Caborn: holding answer 6 December 2001
	In order to secure the long term viability of the City of Manchester Stadium, a tenant was required to assume the operational risk and maintenance obligations, so that these would not fall on the public sector. Manchester City Football Club was identified as the only realistic long term tenant able to undertake that role. Manchester City Council and Sport England negotiated terms with Manchester City Football Club for the Club to operate the stadium after the Games. Those arrangements have been evaluated independently, on behalf of Sport England, who are satisfied that they comply with lottery funding rules.

Commonwealth Games

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the cost of converting the Commonwealth Games Stadium in Manchester into a football stadium will be.

Richard Caborn: holding answer 6 December 2001
	The cost of removing the athletics track, creating a football pitch and replacing the temporary north stand with a permanent facility is estimated to cost around £12 million.

Commonwealth Games

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the design of the Commonwealth Games Stadium in Manchester.

Richard Caborn: holding answer 6 December 2001
	The City of Manchester stadium is being built in two phases.
	The first build phase, in preparation for the Commonwealth Games, is designed for athletics. Following the Commonwealth Games in 2002, in the second phase of building, the stadium is to be further developed into a football stadium. In both phases the stadium will provide high quality facilities for athletes and spectators.
	With the construction of the stadium in two phases the venue is made suitable first for the Commonwealth Games and then as a lasting legacy to Manchester as a football stadium. The stadium and other venues within the overall Sport City complex will provide facilities to support both elite athletes and facilities for community use, a key element in the regeneration of east Manchester.

Commonwealth Games

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the cost of (a) the Commonwealth Games Stadium, (b) the Manchester Commonwealth 50 Pool, (c) each other sporting facility and (d) each non-sporting facility to be used in the 2002 Commonwealth Games; and which bodies own each facility.

Richard Caborn: holding answer 6 December 2001
	The information requested is as follows:
	
		Construction costs of sporting venues(2) -- £ million
		
			  Venues Construction costs  Owned by 
		
		
			 Stadium(3) 110 Manchester City Council 
			 Manchester Aquatics Centre(4) 32.7 Manchester 50 Pool Ltd. 
			 Heaton Park Bowls 1.06 Manchester City Council 
			 Belle Vue Hockey Pitches(3) 3.2 Manchester City Council 
			 English Institute of Sport(3) 16.2 Manchester City Council 
			 International Convention Centre(5) 23.6 G.Mex 
			 National Cycling Centre (complete 1993)(5) 10 Velodrome Trust 
		
	
	(2) Projections for those not yet complete
	(3) Projected costs
	(4) Developed as a partnership between Council and three Manchester universities who made capital and revenue contributions to cost of project.
	(5) Will be used, but not specifically built, for the Games.
	All the other venues to be used are listed and will be the subject of hire agreements between Manchester 2002 Ltd., the Commonwealth Games organisers, and the venue owner. Costs associated with the temporary works for the venues necessary for the Games are contained in the Games organisers' budget.
	
		
			 Venues  Owned by 
		
		
			 Other sporting venues to be used G-Mex Ltd. 
			 G-Mex SMG Ltd. 
			 MEN Arena Manchester University 
			 Athletes Village National Rifle Association, Bisley 
			 National Shooting Centre, Bisley UPP (Manchester Student Village) Ltd. 
			 Technical Officials Village Manchester City Council 
			 Wythenshawe Forum UMIST 
			 Manchester School of Management Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council 
			 Bolton Arena Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council 
			 Rivington and Blackrod High School Manchester City Council 
			 Manchester Town Hall Lowry Trust 
			 Lowry Centre Peel Holdings 
			 Dock 9 Salford Quays  
			   
			 Training Venues  
			 Sugden Centre UMIST 
			 Grand Central Pool Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council 
			 Ducie Sports Academy Manchester City Council 
			 Manchester Grammar School Manchester Grammar School 
			 Salford Wrestling Academy The British Wrestling Association Ltd. 
			 Boggart Hole Clough Manchester City Council 
			 GMP Hough End Greater Manchester Police 
			 Northern Lawn Tennis Club Northern Lawn Tennis Club 
			 Wythenshawe Park Manchester City Council 
			 Manchester Leisure Sports Development Centre Manchester City Council 
			 Aquinas College Diocese of Shrewsbury 
			 Manchester Rugby Club Manchester Rugby Club 
			 Sale Sharks Rugby Club Sale Sharks Rugby Club 
			 Aldwinians Rugby Club Aldwinians Rugby Club 
			 Old Bedians Rugby Club Old Bedians Rugby Club 
			 Burnage Rugby Club Burnage Rugby Club 
			 Bowdon Hockey Club Bowdon Hockey Club 
			   
			 Non-Competition Venues  
			 Openshaw Business Centre Manchester City Council 
			 Midland Hotel Holiday Inn 
			 Commonwealth House Bruntwood Properties 
			 Heron House Manchester City Council 
			 Commonwealth Games Village Manchester University 
			 Technical Officials Village Jarvis 
			 Bisley Village University of Surrey 
			 Mancat College Mancat 
			 Manchester High School for Girls Manchester High School for Girls 
			 Hollings College Manchester Metropolitan University

Commonwealth Games

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the 2002 Commonwealth Games and on the cost of its organisation.

Richard Caborn: holding answer 6 December 2001
	The Commonwealth Games will be held in Manchester from 25 July to 4 August 2002. The Games are organised by Manchester 2002 Limited, an operating subsidiary of Manchester Commonwealth Games Limited, a company limited by guarantee, which is wholly owned by Manchester City Council. Manchester City Council are underwriting the cost of the Commonwealth Games.
	The current budget of the Games organisers is £125 million. This is being funded by a combination of commercial revenue from TV rights, sponsorship, ticketing and licensing income and by public sector support from Manchester City Council, the Sports Lottery Fund and the Government.
	Manchester City Council is also meeting approximately £10 million of additional human resource costs and expenses of preparing the City.
	The Government, Sport England and Manchester City Council have agreed to provide contingency funding of up to £25 million which would be available if necessary to meet unforeseen Games' costs.

Commonwealth Games

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the timing of the process of transferring the Commonwealth Games Stadium in Manchester from its current owners to Manchester City Football Club.

Richard Caborn: holding answer 6 December 2001
	It is anticipated that the transfer to Manchester City Football Club will be undertaken in time for the 2003–04 football season.

TRANSPORT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE REGIONS

Railway Inspectorate

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received regarding changes in the (a) role, (b) organisation and (c) structure of the Railway Inspectorate.

David Jamieson: The Secretary of State has not directly received any representations for specific changes in the role, organisation or structure of HM Railway Inspectorate (HMRI). These would be matters for the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to consider in the context of the wider deployment of HSE resources. Lord Cullen's Inquiry report made recommendations to the HSC which affect HMRI.

Railway Inspectorate

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what changes in the (a) role and (b) terms of reference of the Railway Inspectorate within his Department have taken place since 1997; what changes are planned; and what consultations on such changes have (i) taken place since June and (ii) are planned.

David Jamieson: The role and remit of the Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) within the Health and Safety Executive has not changed. HMRI continues to fulfil its role in ensuring the proper control by duty holders of risks to the health and safety of employees, passengers and others who might be affected by the operation of Britain's railways. Lord Cullen's Inquiry report made recommendations to the Health and Safety Commission which affect HMRI.

Regulatory Impact Assessment Costs

Angela Browning: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the gross cost was of the regulatory impact assessment for (a) the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2001, (b) the Transportable Pressure Vessels Regulation 2001 and (c) the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Risks) (Amendment) Regulations 2001.

David Jamieson: These costs are shown in the published regulatory impact assessments which are in the House Libraries.

Rail Investment

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his Department's budget was for (a) payments to Railtrack and (b) investment in the rail infrastructure in 2001–02; and what the projected outturn is.

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much money (a) public and (b) private investment has provided for the railways in each year since privatisation of the railways.

David Jamieson: Information on investment in railways is contained in the latest (September 2001) edition of the Strategic Rail Authority bulletin "National Rail Trends". All investment in the four years 1997–98 to 2000–01 was undertaken by the private sector.

Rail Investment

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  how much was Railtrack's most recent estimate of the network's infrastructure investment needs in Control Period 2 of 2001 to 2006;
	(2)  what is the Government's most recent estimate of the network's infrastructure investment needs in Control Period 2 of 2001 to 2006;
	(3)  how much money had been allocated to Railtrack for renewals, maintenance and operating expenses for Control Period 2 of 2001 to 2006 prior to administration.

David Jamieson: My Department's 2001–02 budget for payments to Railtrack by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is £497 million, comprising £335 million for network grant payable under the 2 April agreement between the Government and Railtrack and £162 million for network grant in respect of the (October 2000) final conclusions of the Rail Regulator's periodic review of access charges. Projected outturn is £498.6 million, the £1.6 million variation from budget reflecting an allowance for inflation under the 2 April agreement.
	While my Department has no 2001–02 budget for direct investment in rail infrastructure, its budget for SRA payments of network grant to Railtrack and of Support for Passenger Services (SPRS) to train operating companies (TOCs) takes account of the Regulator's review. That review set the level of passenger access charges to be paid to Railtrack by TOCs, most of which receive SPRS. Much of Railtrack's infrastructure investment is remunerated through access charges, which provided some 85 per cent. of Railtrack's income last year.
	It is difficult in practice to distinguish between investment in renewals and maintenance and investment in enhancement. The Regulator's review set passenger access charges at a level designed to enable Railtrack to increase both types of investment expenditure. The Ten Year Plan for Transport, published in July 2000, provided for extra expenditure on both types of investment. The SRA's Strategic Plan, to be published shortly, will set out the SRA's plans for delivering the Ten Year Plan targets within the levels of funding provided for in the Ten Year Plan.
	Information about the network grant allocated to Railtrack for the management and provision of assets in Control Period 2 (CP2, 2001–06) is contained in the answer I have given today (PQ 18947).

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on how the (a) Government and (b) Railtrack administrator will replace the £445 million due to be raised by Railtrack as part of the Renewco arrangement.

David Jamieson: The cash requirements of Railtrack in administration are being financed by a loan from Government.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what payments were made from (a) the Treasury, (b) his Department, (c) the SRA and (d) the Rail Regulator to Railtrack between 1996 and 5 October 2001; and if he will list the dates on which these payments were made and what they were for.

David Jamieson: Between 1996 and 5 October 2001, no payments were made to Railtrack by the Treasury or the Rail Regulator. For payments made by my Department, and for payments of network grant made by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), I refer to my reply to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) on 26 October 2001, Official Report, columns 424–25W. Between 1 April and 5 October 2001, the SRA paid some £24 million to Railtrack for feasibility work.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on what date Railtrack formally requested additional investment funding from the Government above the amounts in the Regulator's most recent review.

David Jamieson: In the course of discussions over the summer, Railtrack's advisers first identified three options for the company—restructuring, renationalisation and, as they described it, receivership. It was agreed that Railtrack would develop proposals for the additional finance the company required and possible restructuring. Under these proposals, Railtrack requested additional uncapped subsidy from the Government, and a suspension of the regulatory regime administered by the Rail Regulator.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what payments were scheduled to be made to Railtrack from 5 October until 5 April 2006, from (a) the Treasury, (b) his Department, (c) the SRA and (d) the Rail Regulator; and if he will list the dates on which these payments were due to be made and what they were for.

David Jamieson: Between 5 October 2001 and 5 April 2006, no payments are scheduled to be made to Railtrack by the Treasury or the Rail Regulator. Apart from repayable cash advances made since 7 October 2001 to Railtrack in administration under the Loan Agreement, no payments are scheduled to be made by my Department. For payments of network grant to be made by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) in respect of the (October 2000) final conclusions of the Rail Regulator's periodic review of access charges, I refer to Appendix D of those conclusions.
	Under the 2 April 2001 agreement between the Government and Railtrack, the SRA is scheduled to make the following payments of network grant to the company on the following dates:
	
		£ million(6),(7) 
		
			 Due payment date Amount 
		
		
			 1 April 2002 217.5 
			 1 October 2002 217.5 
			 1 April 2003 142.5 
			 1 October 2003 142.5 
			 1 April 2004 117.5 
			 1 October 2004 117.5 
			 1 April 2005 77.5 
			 1 October 2005 77.5 
		
	
	(6) In 2000–01 prices.
	(7) Payments from 1 April 2003 onwards are to be increased by an adjustment for freight access income. The size of the adjustment to each payment will be one-sixth of the difference between the total amount of freight income allowed for in the second regulatory control period in the Regulator's final conclusion on passenger charges and that to emerge from the Regulator's freight charging review.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on what date his Department last discussed Railtrack administration with (a) the Treasury and (b) the No. 10 Policy Unit.

David Jamieson: My Department has regular contacts with the Treasury and the No. 10 Policy Directorate on a range of issues.

Railtrack

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what cash (a) guarantees and (b) sums have been made available to the administrator of Railtrack plc.

John Spellar: On the question of cash made available to the administrator, I refer the right hon. Member to my reply to him of 22 November 2001, Official Report, column 388W. The administrator is obliged to use reasonable endeavours to procure commercial bank facilities to refinance all outstanding advances under the Loan Agreement. The commercial bank facilities will be guaranteed by the Secretary of State.

Railtrack

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which senior executive positions in Railtrack are (a) vacant and (b) undergoing change of personnel.

John Spellar: Railtrack plc is a private company in railway administration. This is a matter for the Administrator.

Railtrack

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what liabilities Railtrack plc has incurred for poor performance since 5 October.

John Spellar: This is a commercial matter between Railtrack and train operating companies.

Railtrack

Peter Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the average earnings were of Railtrack directors in (a) salary, (b) bonuses and (c) additional payments in each year between 1996–97 and 2000–01.

David Jamieson: holding answer 3 December 2001
	The table provide information on the average remuneration of Railtrack directors based on information available in Railtrack's annual reports and accounts, 1996–97 to 2000–01. The averages are calculated and presented separately for executive and non-executive directors.
	(i) Average payments to the chairman and executive directors (termed executive directors for ease of reference) are provided in table 1.
	
		Table 1: Payments to executive directors -- £000
		
			  1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 
		
		
			 Average(8)  
			 Salaries 1,375 158 180 204 224 
			 Other emoluments including benefits in kind 16 11 10 11 26 
			 Other performance related bonus payments 48 49 28 23 15 
			 Pension scheme contributions 19 34 12 11 9 
		
	
	(8) This average divides payments to executive directors by the number of executive directors serving that year. The number of executive directors used to calculate the average has been pro-rated to take account of directors who did not serve a full year
	(ii) In addition to the payments detailed, the compensation paid in each financial year to executive directors who resigned prior to or during the financial year is provided in table 2. Because it is only directors who lose office who receive payments, the table presents total payments and the number of individuals receiving compensation rather than providing an average based on the total number of directors in service in the year.
	
		Table 2: Compensation in respect of loss of office
		
			  Compensation in respect of loss of office (£000) Number of directors compensated 
		
		
			 1996–97 292 1 
			 1997–98 335 3 
			 1998–99 309 2 
			 1999–2000 153 1 
			 2000–01 594 2 
		
	
	(iii) Average fees paid to non-executive directors are provided in table 3:
	
		Table 3: Fees paid to non-executive directors -- Average (£000)(9)
		
			  Fee(10) 
		
		
			 1996–97 15 
			 1997–98 19 
			 1998–99 21 
			 1999–2000 31 
			 2000–01 32 
		
	
	(9) This average divides payments to non-executive directors by the number of non-executive directors serving that year. The number of non-executive directors used to calculate the average has been pro-rated to take account of directors who did not serve a full year.
	(10) More detailed figures are not provided in Railtrack's annual reports and accounts.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether Mr. John Robinson asked him for a letter of comfort for Railtrack at the meeting on 25 July.

David Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to the supplementary note of the meeting of 25 July, which was provided to the Transport Sub-Committee of the Select Committee on Transport. Local Government and Regional Affairs and which has been placed in the Library of the House.

Railtrack

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if it is his policy that the company limited by guarantee he is proposing for Railtrack will seek to include property management as part of its core business.

David Jamieson: A team is being assembled to take forward to develop the CLG bid. It will put forward proposals to the Administrator in due course.

Railtrack

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will publish the expenditure (a) planned and (b) allocated by Railtrack plc on (i) office costs, (ii) expense accounts, (iii) entertainment budgets, (iv) workforce training, (v) staff promotion costs, (vi) information technology costs and (vii) other administration costs, for each month from January 2000 to November 2001.

David Jamieson: My Department does not hold this information. These are matters for Railtrack.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what amounts have been repaid to date under section 7.2 of the commercial loan agreement with the Railtrack administrator.

David Jamieson: A total of £20,107,776 has been repaid.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what guarantees he has made to the Railtrack administrator under section 9.1 of the commercial loan agreement.

David Jamieson: No guarantees have been given to date.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what progress has been made by the Railtrack administrator in refinancing the facilities set out in the commercial loan agreement, as outlined in section 7.1.3.

David Jamieson: This is a matter for the administrator.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the Railtrack administrator has sought consents under section 8.1.2 of the commercial loan agreement.

David Jamieson: Yes.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much of the trust facility outlined in section 2.1 of the commercial loan facility with the Railtrack administrator has been drawn down.

David Jamieson: A total of £1,208,287,305.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much of the working capital facility referred to in section 2.2 of the commercial loan ageement with the Railtrack administrator has been drawn down.

David Jamieson: None.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the Government have fulfilled its obligations under section 5.6 of the commercial loan agreement with the Railtrack administrator.

David Jamieson: Yes.

Railways

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions his Department has had with (a) the Strategic Rail Authority and (b) Railtrack regarding the Virgin cross country upgrade, as outlined in the 2001 Network Management Statement Part 1, Chapter 9, page 13.

David Jamieson: None.

Railways

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the importance of the railways to an integrated transport strategy, with particular reference to integration at a regional level.

David Jamieson: Improving the quality of our rail system and increasing its use, by both passengers and freight, is an integral part of our 10 Year Plan for Transport. The Plan aims to deliver improvements across all modes of transport, at national, regional and local levels.
	Achieving our target of increasing rail passenger patronage by 50 per cent. by 2010, and rail freight by up to 80 per cent., would help to relieve the growing pressure on our roads, and contribute to the reductions in congestion and pollution that the Plan envisages.
	At the regional level, the Government's guidance on Regional Transport Strategies emphasises the importance of integration in supporting more sustainable travel choices. The programme of multi-modal studies currently under way, covering most of our main transport corridors and bottlenecks, is also taking an integrated approach and examining a full range of possible solutions in each case. The programme for replacement and extension of existing rail franchises invites bidders to offer proposals for local and regional integration, and the draft Directions and Guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority reinforce this aim. The Rail Passenger Partnership scheme also exists to provide financial support for local and regional initiatives to improve integration of rail with other modes.

Railways

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the importance of diversionary routes for the rail network.

David Jamieson: Diversionary routes are clearly important in providing alternatives where disruption occurs. Franchise agreements require train operating companies to use all reasonable endeavours to provide alternative transport where services cannot run as advertised, for which diversionary routes are one possible solution.

Back Lanes

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for what reason unnamed back lanes are excluded from highways data for the purposes of calculating standard spending assessments; and when this exclusion was introduced.

Alan Whitehead: Back lanes, unnamed or otherwise, should have always been excluded from the data used in SSAs. The same is true of other public ways such as Byways Open to All Traffic, bridleways, footpaths, green lanes and unsurfaced roads. This is on the basis that this group of rights of way take very little or no traffic relative to major and minor roads.
	Some authorities have, in the past, erroneously, included some of these rights of way in their highway returns to the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

London Underground

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what performance indicators on the London Underground are routinely monitored by his Department.

David Jamieson: The Department routinely monitors progress towards achievement of the Government's performance and investment targets for 2001–02 that I announced to the House on 19 July 2001, Official Report, column 367W.

London Underground

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many signal failures there have been on the District line since 1 January between Earls Court and Wimbledon.

David Jamieson: This is an operational matter for London Underground who inform me that there were 117 signal failures causing delays to services on the District line between Earl's Court and Wimbledon between the 1 January and the 10 November this year.

London Underground

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether London Underground holds an up-to-date register of its assets.

David Jamieson: I understand that London Underground holds a register of its assets, in which assets are categorised according to their condition. Under the tube modernisation plans the infrastructure companies will be required to bring all assets up to a satisfactory condition.

London Underground

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many mechanical failures there have been on District line trains since 1 January.

David Jamieson: This is an operational matter for London Underground who inform me that between 1 January and 10 November there were 31 train delays of over 15 minutes and 103 peak time cancellations of District line trains because of train defects.

London Underground

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much investment has been made in the London Underground, excluding Jubilee Line construction, in each year since 1995.

David Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the then Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Streatham (Keith Hill) to the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin) on 8 May 2001, Official Report, column 23W. The actual level of investment in 2000–01 was set out in London Transport's annual report 2000–01, published in July of this year.

London Underground

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when a detailed survey was last carried out 
	(1)  of London Underground's tunnels; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  into the condition of London Underground's signalling; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: This is an operational matter for London Underground. In many areas London Underground infrastructure is old and of varied condition. Frequently, assets are in need of replacement or renewal. London Underground inform me that they carry out a regular and ongoing programme of inspections and surveys of tunnels, signals, and track. All tunnels are thoroughly inspected several times each week to identify any track defects.
	Should any assets be found to be in a condition which has a possible safety implication, then remedial action is taken immediately or if that is not possible, mitigating measures are taken to ensure safe operation, for example, the imposition of a speed restriction. Where necessary, more extensive and/or frequent surveys are undertaken to ensure that no further deterioration takes place before a long-term solution can be implemented. Under London Underground's tube modernisation plans, bidders will have the resources to implement these long-term solutions more quickly than London Underground itself can at present.

London Underground

Richard Page: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  what measures he proposes to tackle graffiti on the London Underground; and what account is taken of graffiti in the formulae relevant to the calculation of environmental ambience;
	(2)  what minimum measurements apply to (a) litter and (b) graffiti for qualification for inclusion in the periodic surveys of the ambience of London Underground stations and trains conducted by mystery shoppers.

David Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 6 December 2001, Official Report, columns 442–43W.

Railway Stations (Electronic Ticket Barriers)

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent crowd safety assessments have taken place at the London railway stations that have had electronic ticket barriers installed (a) before and (b) since the barriers were installed; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: I understand that prior to barriers being installed, a full risk assessment must be submitted to the HSE and the station operator who is installing the gates must carry out an operational safety assessment. Operation of the gates is assessed as part of the operational safety cases during field inspection. The gates must operate in such a way that they will be powered down, ie set to open, if unattended. There are now many gates in operation and I understand that there have been no significant safety concerns as a consequence of their use.

M58

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what has been the total public investment in the M58 motorway since 1985; and how much of that investment was subject to European Union subsidy.

David Jamieson: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Member.
	Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. Peter Duncan, dated 10 December 2001
	The Transport Minister, David Jamieson, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the total public investment in the M58 motorway since 1985.
	I am afraid that our records are not kept in a form which allows us to provide this information.
	The total spend includes monies for routine and winter maintenance which we pay to our agents in bulk: the sums are not disaggregated to individual roads. I can say however that between 1992 and 1995 we spend £10.5M on major maintenance schemes on this section of motorway.
	This investment was funded by the Agency and its predecessor through the national roads vote. We can find no record of an EU grant having been received towards the cost of these works.
	I am sorry that I cannot be more helpful but if you would like any further information about this matter, the Agency's Route Manager for the M58, Roy Wood, would be pleased to help you. His telephone number is 0161 930 5686.

Housing Benefit

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many pensioner households (a) in the United Kingdom, (b) in London and (c) in Barnet are (i) in receipt of housing benefit and (ii) not now eligible for housing benefit, but will become eligible as a consequence of formula rents (x) in 2002–03 and (y) in 2011; and if he will make a statement.

Sally Keeble: The number of pensioners in May 2000 in Great Britain who were in receipt of housing benefit was 1,693,000 and in London was 215,000. Reliable information on the numbers of pensioners receiving housing benefit is not available at local authority level. The other information is not available.

Rents

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many tenants in (a) registered social landlords and (b) local authority property in (i) London and (ii) Barnet will see their rents lower in real terms after completion of restructuring in 2011; and if he will make a statement.

Sally Keeble: The information is not available in the form requested. In particular, the rate of increase of actual registered social landlord and local authority rents over the next 10 years will depend, among other things, on the outcome of future Spending Reviews (for local authority rents) and periodic reviews by the Housing Corporation (for registered social landlord rents). Moreover, individual landlords retain responsibility for rent-setting.

Rents

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to adjust housing benefit thresholds and caps in the light of formula rent increases in (a) London and (b) Barnet; and if he will make a statement.

Sally Keeble: Rent restructuring will have no impact on more than 60 per cent. of council and registered social landlord tenants who received housing benefit as their housing benefit will be adjusted to reflect the changes in their rents. Furthermore, rent restructuring will have no direct impact on housing benefit rules for private sector tenants.

Rents

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what estimate he has made of the effect of formula rents on housing benefit expenditure in (a) the UK, (b) London and (c) Barnet for (i) 2002–03 and (ii) 2011; and if he will make a statement.

Sally Keeble: Our initial estimates suggest that the overall impact of the social rent reforms on public expenditure is broadly neutral, taking account of housing benefit expenditure, local authority rental income and the grant requirements for new developments.

Rents

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions to what extent formula rents after restructuring will be (a) inclusive and (b) exclusive of management and maintenance charges; and if he will make a statement.

Sally Keeble: The "Guide to Social Rent Reforms" published by my Department at the same time as the December 2000 housing policy statement "Quality and Choice: A decent home for all—the way forward for housing" stated that formula rents under restructuring do not include service charges for items such as management and maintenance.

Rents

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many (a) registered social landlords and (b) local authority tenants (i) in the United Kingdom, (ii) in London and (iii) in Barnet (1) (x) are and (y) are not in receipt of housing benefit, (2) will become eligible for housing benefit as a consequence of the introduction of formula rents in 2002–03 and (3) will become eligible for housing benefit as a consequence of the introduction of formula rent by 2011; and if he will make a statement.

Sally Keeble: The number of tenants in receipt of housing benefit in May 2001 in the registered social landlord (RSL) sector in Great Britain was 988,000 and the number in local authority housing was 2,131,000. In the London Government Office Region 167,000 RSL tenants were in receipt of housing benefit, as were 313,000 local authority tenants. In the London borough of Barnet 7,889 local authority tenants were in receipt of housing benefit, but the number of RSL tenants in Barnet in receipt of housing benefit is unavailable. The other information is not available.

Aston Clinton Bypass

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what estimate he has made of the expected reduction in vehicle movements through Aston Clinton that will result from the construction of the bypass there.

David Jamieson: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Member.
	Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. John Bercow, dated 10 December 2001
	The Transport Minister, David Jamieson, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the expected reduction in vehicle movements through Aston Clinton that will result from the construction of the bypass.
	The bypass will remove approximately 70% of the current through traffic on the A41 through the village. The north-south movement on the local route between Leighton Buzzard and Wendover would continue to use part of the existing A41 in the village.
	The contract for the construction of the bypass was let in March 2001 although the start of works on site was delayed until August 2001 due to Foot and Mouth precautions. Construction is due to be completed in the Summer of 2003.
	If you would like further details of this scheme the Project Manager in our Dorking office, Andy Finch would be pleased to help you. He can be contacted on 01306–878342.

Bus Safety

Huw Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 3 December 2001, Official Report, column 27W, if he will simplify the criteria for determining the number of persons permitted to stand on scheduled buses.

David Jamieson: I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to his question on 6 November 2001, Official Report, column 137W. The recent agreement in the EU for a common standard for the construction of buses will lead to a change in the way the numbers of permitted standing passengers is calculated. I do not intend to introduce changes in advance of the introduction of this directive in the UK as it will cause unnecessary disruption to bus manufacturers and operators.

Traffic Links (West Sussex)

Howard Flight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received from the South East Economic Development Agency regarding traffic links in West Sussex; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: None. The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) is however represented on the Steering Group of the South Coast Corridor Multi Modal Study. This study is looking at strategic transport issues along the whole of the south coast including West Sussex, and SEEDA feed in their views via this forum.

Road Schemes

Howard Flight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps are taken to ensure that the views of local economic development agencies and other stakeholders are given due weight in the provision of new roads and bypasses; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: All stakeholders including local and regional economic agencies are able to comment at the various statutory stages in the development of a road scheme. These include preferred route, order publication and, if necessary, public inquiry. All parties are also free to comment at the consultation stages of the series of multi-modal and road based studies being undertaken to consider transport problems associated with the trunk road network. Regional development agencies will normally be represented on study steering groups or in the wider reference groups from whom comments are specifically sought. They may also comment at the public consultation stages of regional planning guidance when the regional transport strategies are being considered.

Road Schemes

Howard Flight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  what his criteria are for areas affected by traffic congestion to be addressed by using fast track procedures for building roads and bypasses; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on the process to be followed in order to designate a road scheme under the fast track procedure.

David Jamieson: The new Highways Agency procurement strategy, which I announced on 22 November 2001, will speed up delivery of improvement schemes on motorways and other strategic roads in England. This will be achieved through streamlining the pre-construction phase and better procurement techniques and help to deliver the targets from the 10 Year Plan for Transport. This should significantly cut the 12 years it typically takes at present to deliver these schemes.
	The package of measures, announced by the Secretary of State in this House on 20 July 2001, to speed up decisions on major infrastructure projects of major national significance, are expected to apply, in respect of highway projects, to the construction of a new route in excess of 30 kilometres in continuous length. This criterion and the process to be followed to designate schemes are subject to consultation before coming into force.

Rail Franchises

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will state, for each train operating company, (a) when the franchise was first renewed, (b) the length of the original franchise awarded, (c) the dates on which the franchise has since been awarded, (d) when the franchise is next due to be awarded and (e) details of changes in the ownership which have taken place since the franchise was first awarded.

David Jamieson: The information requested is as listed.
	
		
			 Current train operating company Original franchise commencement date Length of original franchise Original franchise expiry date Original franchisee Changes since original franchise commencement date 
		
		
			 Anglia Railways 5 January 1997 7 years 3 months 4 April 2004 GB Railways Group plc — 
			 Arriva Trains Merseyside 19 January 1997 7 years 2 months 18 March 2004 MTL Trust Holdings Ltd. Previously Merseyrail Electrics. Arriva acquired the franchise from MTL in February 2000 for a period of 12 months on existing terms. An extension agreement was signed in February 2001 for a further two years 
			 Arriva Trains Northern 2 March 1997 7 years 1 month 1 April 2004 MTL Trust Holdings Ltd. Previously Regional Railways North East and then Northern Spirit. Arriva acquired the franchise from MTL in February 2000 for a period of 12 months on existing terms. An extension agreement was signed in February 2001 for a further two years. 
			 Cardiff Railway 13 October 1996 7 years 6 months 12 April 2004 Prism Rail The takeover of Prism by National Express Group was agreed on 17 January 2001. 
			 Central Trains 2 March 1997 7 years 1 month 1 April 2004 National Express Group — 
			 Chiltern Railways 21 July 1996 7 years 20 July 2003 M40 Trains Ltd. Heads of Terms signed in August 2000 for a new 20-year franchise with M40 Trains. New franchise agreement currently being negotiated. 
			 Connex South Central 26 May 1996 7 years 25 May 2003 Connex Rail Ltd. (renamed Connex Transport UK Ltd.) Transferred to GoVia on 26 August 2001. New 20-year franchise agreement being negotiated with GoVia. 
			 Connex South Eastern 13 October 1996 15 years 12 October 2011 Connex Rail Ltd. (renamed Connex Transport UK Ltd.) — 
			 C2C 26 May 1996 15 years 25 May 2011 Prism Rail Formerly known as LTS Rail. The takeover of Prism by National Express Group was agreed on 17 January 2001. 
			 Gatwick Express 28 April 1996 15 years 27 April 2011 National Express Group — 
			 Great Eastern 5 January 1997 7 years 3 months 4 April 2004 FirstGroup PLC — 
			 Great North Eastern Railway 28 April 1996 7 years 27 April 2003 GNER Holdings Ltd. Two-year extension being negotiated. 
			 Great Western 4 February 1996 10 years 3 February 2006 Great Western Holdings Ltd. FirstGroup plc acquired Great Western Holdings Ltd. in March 1998. 
			 Island Line 13 October 1996 5 years 12 October 2001 Stagecoach Holdings Two-year extension until 27 September 2003 agreed in March 2001. 
			 Midland Main Line 28 April 1996 10 years 27 April 2006 National Express Group Two-year extension agreed on 10 August 2000 
			 North Western 2 March 1997 7 years 1 month 1 April 2004 Great Western Holdings Ltd. FirstGroup plc. acquired Great Western Holdings Ltd. in March 1998 
			 ScotRail 31 March 1997 7 years 30 March 2004 National Express Group — 
			 Silverlink 2 March 1997 7 years 6 months 1 September 2004 National Express Group Formerly known as North London Railways 
			 South West Trains 4 February 1996 7 years 3 February 2003 Stagecoach Holdings plc Heads of Terms signed in April 2001 for a new franchise for up to 20 years with Stagecoach Holdings. New franchise agreement currently being negotiated. 
			 Thames Trains 13 October 1996 7 years 6 months 12 April 2004 Victory Railway Holdings In June 1998 it was agreed that Go-Ahead Group plc would take over from Victory Railway Holdings 
			 Thameslink 2 March 1997 7 years 1 month 1 April 2004 GoVia plc — 
			 Virgin Cross Country 5 January 1997 15 years 4 January 2012 Virgin Rail Group Ltd. — 
			 Virgin West Coast Trains 9 March 1997 15 years 8 March 2012 Virgin Rail Group Ltd. — 
			 Wales and West 13 October 1996 7 years 6 months 12 April 2004 Prism Rail Previously South Wales and West. The takeover of Prism by National Express Group was agreed on 17 January 2001. 
			 West Anglia Great Northern 5 January 1997 7 years 3 months 4 April 2004 Prism Rail The takeover of Prism by National Express Group was agreed on 17 January 2001. 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The Shadow SRA announced in June 2000 its intention to develop new franchises for Wales and Borders and Wessex. The SRA announced on 15 February 2001 that it had shortlisted four parties for negotiations to select a preferred operator for a new Wales and Borders franchise. On 2 March 2001 it announced that it had prequalified seven parties to prepare proposals for a new Wessex franchise.
	2. The SRA will announce in due course how it will respond to the Secretary of State's recent draft statement on passenger rail franchising. Although the statement emphasises the importance of delivering short term benefits—essentially through existing franchises—as well as longer term improvements for passengers, this does not mean that there will be no early franchise replacements; it does not rule out the proposed Wessex and Wales and Borders franchises. The SRA will, however, consider all the options for delivering benefits to passengers, and take a realistic view about affordability and what represents value for money.
	3. The 'Wales and Borders' managerial unit will consist of Valley Lines' services and Wales and West services within Wales and to some English destinations. Discussions are continuing with National Express Group on an early transfer of services within Mid-Wales (from Central Trains) to the new Wales and Borders management unit. Services in North Wales will currently continue to be operated by First North Western.
	4. The 'Wessex Trains' managerial unit will consist of Wales and West services not transferring to Wales and Borders. London Waterloo-Exeter services and Reading-Brighton services will currently continue to be operated by South West Trains.

Railway Rolling Stock

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many different types of rolling stock were operated by each train operating company in each year since 1994; and in what year each rolling stock type was due to be replaced.

David Jamieson: The information is not available in the form requested. However, I have placed in the Library of the House information on the different types of rolling stock currently in use by each train operator. This excludes Mark 1 slam door vehicles which are required to be removed from the network by 1 January 2005.

Railway Rolling Stock

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will state the (a) number and (b) type of new rolling stock ordered in each year since 1994 for each train operating company.

David Jamieson: The information is provided in the table.
	
		Vehicles ordered, by train operating company, since 1 January 1994
		
			  Total number of vehicles ordered  
			  1994 1995 1996 1997 1998  
			 Train operating company DMU EMU DMU EMU DMU EMU DMU EMU DMU EMU 
		
		
			 Anglia Railways — — — — — — — — 24 — 
			 Arriva Trains Northern(11) — — — — — — — — — 48 
			 c2c(12) — — — — — — — 184 — — 
			 Central Trains — — — — — — — — 76 — 
			 Chiltern Railways — — — — 12 — — — 8 — 
			 Connex South Eastern — — — — — — — 120 — — 
			 First Great Eastern — — — — — — — — — — 
			 First Great Western(13) — — — — — — — — 40 — 
			 First North Western(14) — — — — — — — — — 70 
			 Gatwick Express — — — — — — — — — 64 
			 Midland Main Line — — — — — — 34 — — — 
			 Scotrail — — — — — — — — 45 120 
			 South Central(15) — — — — — — — — — — 
			 South West Trains — — — — — — — 120 — — 
			 Virgin Cross Country — — — — — — — — 352 — 
			 Virgin West Coast — — — — — — — — — — 
			  
			 Totals 0 0 0 0 12 0 34 424 545 392 
			   
			  0 0 12 458 937  
		
	
	
		Vehicles ordered, by train operating company, since 1 January 1994
		
			  Total number of vehicles ordered  
			  1999 2000 2001 Totals  
			 Train operating company DMU EMU DMU EMU DMU EMU DMU EMU Total 
		
		
			 Anglia Railways — — — — — — 24 0 24 
			 Arriva Trains Northern(11) — — — 8 — — 0 56 56 
			 c2c(12) — — — 112 — — 0 296 296 
			 Central Trains — — — — — — 76 0 76 
			 Chiltern Railways 10 — 9 — — — 39 0 39 
			 Connex South Eastern — — — — — — 0 210 210 
			 First Great Eastern — — — — — 84 0 84 84 
			 First Great Western(13) 30 — — — — — 70 0 70 
			 First North Western(14) — — — — — — 0 70 70 
			 Gatwick Express — — — — — — 0 64 64 
			 Midland Main Line — — — — 10 — 44 0 44 
			 Scotrail 27 — 6 — — — 78 120 198 
			 South Central(15) — — — — — 240 0 240 240 
			 South West Trains — — 16 — — 785 16 905 921 
			 Virgin Cross Country — — — — — — 352 0 352 
			 Virgin West Coast — 477 — — — — 0 477 477 
			  
			 Totals 67 477 31 120 10 1,109 699 2,522 3,221 
			  
			  544 151 1,119 3,221  
		
	
	(11) Formerly Northern Spirit
	(12) Formerly LTS Rail
	(13) Formerly Great Western Trains
	(14) Formerly North Western Trains
	(15) Formerly Connex South Central
	Notes:
	DMU—Diesel Multiple unit
	EMU—Electric Multiple unit

Railway Rolling Stock

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on arrangements for the (a) renewal and (b) replacement of rolling stock by train operating companies.

David Jamieson: Opportunities exist for the refurbishment of existing rolling stock or the introduction of new rolling stock to be taken forward as part of any franchise extension or replacement proposal submitted to the Strategic Rail Authority. Train operating companies and rolling stock companies are free to place orders for new rolling stock in addition to any required under any such franchise extension or replacement proposals.

Railway Rolling Stock

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with the ROSCOs on how the supply of new rolling stock can be speeded up.

David Jamieson: There have been regular ministerial discussions with rolling stock manufacturers concerning the timely delivery of new rolling stock. These discussions will continue. The Strategic Rail Authority is also setting up a pan-industry group specifically to address rolling stock issues. There will be ROSCO representation on that group.

Rail Industry Confidential Reporting System

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans there are to develop the CIRAS confidential reporting system within the railway industry.

David Jamieson: All train operators confirmed that they had enrolled their safety critical staff in CIRAS by the end of 2000. Train operators are developing procedures for reviewing reports and responding to reports made.

Strategic Rail Authority

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the Strategic Rail Authority is due to publish its strategic plan.

David Jamieson: The Strategic Rail Authority has announced that it will publish its Strategic Plan on Monday 14 January.

Rail Fatigue Damage

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the length of track on the railway network suffering from gauge corner cracking was for each month between January 2000 and November 2001 (a) in total, (b) subdivided by zonal area and (c) subdivided by train operating company area.

David Jamieson: Railtrack advise that information is not held in this format.

Rail Fatigue Damage

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of research conducted into gauge corner cracking; and what action he has taken in response to the conclusions reached.

David Jamieson: The Health and Safety Executive recently received copies of a report into a major piece of research into 'Head Checking' (the general term for the type of rail fatigue damage of which Gauge Corner Cracking is a particular type) carried out for Railtrack jointly by specialist consultants Ove Arup and TTCI. HSE is currently undertaking a detailed evaluation of the report's findings. The initial evaluation indicates that the report makes a very useful contribution to improving the understanding of the factors that influence the occurrence of 'Head Checking'. It would be inappropriate for any formal actions to be taken until HSE's evaluation is completed.

Supporting People Strategy

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the breakdown of funding to local authorities under the Supporting People Strategy is.

Sally Keeble: The information requested has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

A40, Ross-on-Wye

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what was the (a) original budget and (b) final cost of the traffic light installation on the A40 at Lea, Ross-on-Wye; and if he will make a statement on who audits the accounts.

David Jamieson: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Member.
	Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. Paul Keetch, dated 10 December 2001
	The Transport Minister, David Jamieson, has asked me to reply to your recent question about the budget and final cost of the traffic light installation on the A40 Trunk Road at Lea, Ross-on-Wye.
	The traffic signals at Lea are part of a package of traffic calming measures for the village that were completed earlier this year. The original budget for the signals was £133,000 but the final costs have yet to be finalised and should be available next month. Auditing of the Highways Agency's accounts is undertaken by the National Audit Office, as with all government departments.
	In view of your interest, I have asked the Agency's Project Sponsor, Tom Barry, to write to you with details as soon as the final costs of the signal installation are known. He can be contacted on 0121 678 8072.

Regional Airports

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of United Kingdom air passengers used (a) Manchester Airport Group, (b) Peel airports and (c) Leeds Bradford airport, for the last year for which figures are available.

David Jamieson: Based upon CAA statistics for 2000, 11.9 per cent. of total UK airport terminal and transit passengers used Manchester Airport Group airports (Bournemouth, East Midlands, Humberside and Manchester. 1.1 per cent. used Peel Group airports (Liverpool and Sheffield) and 0.9 per cent. used Leeds Bradford airport.

Regional Airports

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the use of public funds by Manchester airport to oppose the proposed airport at Finningley, Doncaster.

David Jamieson: It is open to anybody to object to a planning application, and it is reasonable to expect objections from anybody who considers that their interests would be damaged by an application. This ensures that the public inquiry can gain a fully rounded picture of the issues relevant to the application.

Travellers

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what was the estimated cost to public funds in 2000–01 of enforcement action by local authorities against travellers.

Sally Keeble: This information is not collected centrally.

Travellers

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have recently met officers from Brighton and Hove council to discuss issues relating to travellers.

Stephen Byers: No, but the Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton, North (Ms Keeble) has agreed to meet my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Mr. Lepper) to discuss the issue.

Travellers

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received from local authorities on issues relating to travellers and traveller encampments; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Byers: My Department receives representations from time to time from local authorities on issues relating to travellers and traveller encampments, particularly about unauthorised encampments. The Government recognise the problems that unauthorised encampments can cause.
	We are revising the joint DTLR/Home Office guidance to local authorities and the police on managing unauthorised camping. This follows a review into the effectiveness of the current guidance. We published a summary of the findings on 2 November. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House. We will publish the revised guidance early next year and will evaluate its effectiveness in bringing about improvements on the ground. We continue to keep the scope and application of existing enforcement powers under review.

Housing (Birmingham)

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  what provision he has made for early redemption penalties and setting-up costs of successor organisations to be paid if transfer of Birmingham City's housing stock takes place; and if he will estimate the cost of central Government subsidy towards them;
	(2)  what the outstanding debt is on Birmingham city council's housing revenue account that he will write off if stock transfer goes ahead; and what was the annual cost of debt financing charges in the last three years.

Sally Keeble: The Department's assumptions for housing revenue subsidy purposes of Birmingham city council's debt financing charges in the last three financial years have been as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 1998–99 248,033 
			 1999–2000 253,651 
			 2000–01 264,672 
		
	
	If stock transfer were to go ahead the Department would make a payment equal to Birmingham's housing-related debt less any of its receipt from the transferred stock that remained once set-up costs and early debt redemption premiums had been deducted. That figure cannot yet be calculated.
	The Department makes no provision for set-up costs or early debt redemption premiums; these are met by the local authority from the transfer receipt.

Drink Driving

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what provision he has made in the current financial year for his campaign against drinking and driving.

David Jamieson: As part of the THINK! road safety campaign, my Department allocated £1.7 million for this year's publicity campaign against drinking and driving. Approximately £1 million of this was planned for the Christmas period with the balance for the remainder of the year-round campaign. Anti drink-driving messages are also supported throughout the country by local authority road safety officers, the police, and widely in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Traffic Calming

Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what guidance he gives to local authorities on (a) installing road bumps on established roads, (b) painting speed limits in block form on roads and (c) other traffic calming measures.

David Jamieson: The Department provides local authorities with guidance and advice on traffic calming, including road humps, through our Traffic Advisory Leaflets. We are also preparing a Local Transport Note on the design and effectiveness of traffic calming measures.
	Unlike many other traffic calming measures, painted speed limits on the road (carriageway roundels) require authorisation from the Secretary of State. This is due to their limited effect on vehicle speeds. As such no specific guidance exists, although we offer advice where this is required.

Rough Sleepers

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what directions have been given to local authorities since May 1997 concerning the estimation of rough sleepers in their area.

Sally Keeble: Local authorities have been asked annually since 1996 to provide estimates of rough sleeping in their areas in statistical returns to my Department as part of the Housing Investment Programme (HIP).
	Additionally, my Department encourages local authorities to work with voluntary sector homelessness agencies to conduct head counts of people sleeping rough in their areas. The Government's policy, set out in an answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Luton, South (Margaret Moran) on 19 May 1999, Official Report, column 357W, is to encourage:
	at least two counts a year in areas with a substantial number of rough sleepers (20 or more on a single night);
	at least one count a year in areas with between 10 and 19 rough sleepers on a single night; and
	counts in a selection of areas estimating fewer than 10 rough sleepers on a single night to spot check the validity of those estimates.

Rough Sleepers

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps his Department and the Rough Sleepers Unit are taking to improve the quality of information on the numbers of people sleeping rough.

Sally Keeble: My Department, through the Rough Sleepers Unit and the Housing Directorate's Housing Data and Statistics Division, monitors and seeks to improve information on the extent of rough sleeping in England by encouraging all local authorities to estimate the numbers of rough sleepers in their areas; by investigating claims by local agencies that they have evidence of a local problem that does not show up in local authorities' Housing Investment Programme (HIP) statistical returns to the Department; and by encouraging areas where there is a known rough sleeping problem to undertake street counts at appropriate intervals, depending on the size of the local rough sleeping problem.
	Agencies and local authorities working with the Rough Sleepers Unit collect a range of other information about rough sleepers.
	The hon. Member will know that the Homelessness Bill, currently in the other place, will place a new duty on local authorities to conduct regular reviews of the levels, and likely future levels, of all forms of homelessness in their districts.

Rough Sleepers

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what changes his Department and the Rough Sleepers Unit have made to the methodology for counting rough sleepers since the guidance published in 1996.

Sally Keeble: None.

Rough Sleepers

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what requirements the Government have placed on local authorities to engage in street counts of rough sleepers.

Sally Keeble: My Department monitors the extent of rough sleeping in England by encouraging all local authorities to estimate the numbers of rough sleepers in their areas; by investigating claims by local agencies that they have evidence of a local problem that does not show up in local authorities' Housing Investment Programme (HIP) statistical returns to the Department; and by encouraging areas where there is a known rough sleeping problem to undertake street counts at appropriate intervals, depending on the size of the local rough sleeping problem.
	In areas with a substantial number of rough sleepers (20 or more on a single night) at least two counts a year are encouraged.
	In areas with between 10 and 19 rough sleepers on a single night, at least one count a year is encouraged.
	In other areas with fewer than 10 rough sleepers on a single night, local authorities are asked to report estimates through their annual HIP returns. My Department ensures that street counts are undertaken in a selection of these areas to spot check the validity of estimates, especially in areas which have previously recorded a significant problem.

Rough Sleepers

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received over the last four years concerning the manner in which rough sleepers head counts are conducted.

Sally Keeble: The Government's Rough Sleepers Unit has received a number of oral and written inquiries and representations about the methodology for counting and estimating the number of people sleeping rough in England.
	Head counts of people sleeping rough provide a useful 'snapshot' of the numbers of people sleeping rough. The methodology originated among voluntary sector agencies working with rough sleepers in London and was developed by my Department in partnership with the voluntary sector. Despite occasional criticism, independent evaluation has shown consistently that such counts are the most effective method for evaluating changes in the levels of rough sleeping.
	They are just one of the tools by which the effectiveness of the Government's strategy on rough sleeping may be gauged. Additional monitoring information provided by agencies providing services as part of local rough sleeping strategies is also useful in making sure rough sleepers are getting the help they need.

Rough Sleepers

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what communications his Department and the Rough Sleepers Unit have had with (a) the Metropolitan and (b) the City of London police concerning the rough sleeping head counts in London over the last four years.

Sally Keeble: My Department's "Guidance on evaluating the extent of rough sleeping" states that the police should be consulted in advance of any rough sleepers count as one of the key local agencies in contact with rough sleepers. The police may also be involved in the count in some areas to ensure the safety of counters.
	The Rough Sleepers Unit and the agencies which it funds have regular contact with police forces around the country—including the Metropolitan police and the City of London police—as part of the planning and carrying out of a head count. We also encourage Contact and Assessment Teams and other funded agencies to liaise with police throughout the year.

Rough Sleepers

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research his Department and the Rough Sleepers Unit have conducted into the movements of rough sleepers who are placed into (a) hostels and (b) other temporary accommodation; and if he will place a copy of the documents in the Library.

Sally Keeble: Research commissioned by the former Department of the Environment and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions to evaluate the Rough Sleepers Initiative has looked at the use of hostel and other temporary accommodation by rough sleepers. I refer the hon. Member to the following reports, copies of which are available from the Libraries of the House:
	"The Rough Sleepers Initiative: An Evaluation", Department of the Environment, HMSO, 1993;
	"From Street to Home—An evaluation of Phase 2 of the Rough Sleepers Initiative", Department of the Environment, The Stationery Office, 1996; and
	"Homes for Street Homeless People—An evaluation of the Rough Sleepers Initiative", Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, 1999.
	The Rough Sleepers Unit has commissioned further research to evaluate the impact of its current strategy, including the role played by hostels. The results of this work will not be available until later in 2002.

Planning Applications

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what are the new targets for 2002–03 in respect of local authorities handling planning applications; and what are the targets they replace.

Sally Keeble: The new targets are: for major industrial, commercial and residential applications, 60 per cent. should be decided in 13 weeks; for minor industrial, commercial and residential applications, 65 per cent. should be decided in eight weeks; and 80 per cent. of all other applications should be decided in eight weeks. These will replace the current single target to decide 80 per cent. of all applications in eight weeks.

Planning Applications

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when his Department set a new Best Value indicator for local authorities in 2002–03 that 90 per cent. of all planning applications should be delegated; if this will be measured by (a) number, (b) size, (c) controversy and (d) value; and what other changes to Best Value he plans to propose.

Sally Keeble: The Government published their full proposals for changes to Best Value in a consultation paper "Best Value Performance Indicators 2002–03", published on 2 November 2001.
	The proposals included a new indicator for the percentage of planning applications delegated to officers, underpinned by a new target, also announced on 2 November 2001, to delegate 90 per cent. of all applications received.

Best Value

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which local authorities are not obliged to sell assets at best value.

Sally Keeble: The Government's general policy on local authority land disposals is that authorities should seek to obtain the open market value when making disposals. However, local authorities' land disposal powers under the Local Government Act 1972 are discretionary and they may exercise them in any manner they wish.
	The consent of the Secretary of State is required before an authority may dispose of land for less than the best consideration that can reasonably be obtained. Consent is not required to any disposal for a lease of seven years or less.
	For certain classes of disposal any necessary disposal consent has been given by the Local Government Act 1972 General Disposal Consents 1998 and in these circumstances it is not necessary for a local authority to apply for a specific disposal consent. For example, the General Consents include the disposal in certain circumstances of the freehold or leasehold interests in property to be used for charitable, recreational and certain retail and commercial uses.

Civil Defence

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what strategy exists to help collaboration between fire brigades related to their role in civil contingencies and dealing with terrorist attacks.

Alan Whitehead: Arrangements exist for mutual assistance between fire authorities under the provisions of sections 2 and 12 of the Fire Services Act 1947 which enable brigades to collaborate in carrying out their statutory duties.
	In the light of the events of 11 September, we have established with the fire service stakeholders a group, chaired by HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services, which is evaluating, among other matters, existing response capabilities, including the need for regional collaboration.

Young Firefighters Association

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many children are involved in the Young Firefighters Association in the west midlands; and what funding he has given to this organisation to assist it in expanding.

Alan Whitehead: Around 400 children are involved in the Young Firefighters Association in the west midlands.
	The DTLR provides an annual grant of £54,000 to the Young Firefighters Association: this funds the association's national and training officer posts. In addition, brigades are encouraged to explore funding opportunities for the Young Firefighters Associations (or similar schemes) with the regional Youth Inclusion Programmes, established by the Youth Justice Board.

Train Drivers

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Health and Safety Executive and Rail Inspectorate and (b) the Train Operating Companies on driver safety.

David Jamieson: Ministers have regular meetings and contact with the Health and Safety Commission and Executive, the Association of Train Operating Companies and individual train operators during which a range of railway safety issues are discussed.

Train Drivers

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what limit he sets as the maximum hours a driver can safely drive a train.

David Jamieson: The Railways (Safety Critical Work) Regulations 1994 require employers to ensure that employees do not undertake any safety critical work, including driving a train, for a length of time that would be liable to cause them fatigue which could endanger safety.

Parish and Town Councils (Uniform Business Rate)

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the cost of restoring the policy of giving a share of the uniform business rate to (a) parish and (b) town councils.

Alan Whitehead: I have made no assessment. Parish and town councils have never had a share of the revenue from the national non-domestic rate—or uniform business rate—since its introduction in 1990. Their main source of funding is—and will remain—the council tax.

Strategic Rail Plan

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the strategic rail plan will be published.

David Jamieson: The Strategic Rail Authority has announced that it will publish its Strategic Plan on Monday 14 January.

Rail Freight

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will publish the Strategic Rail Authority's strategy for freight.

David Jamieson: The Strategic Rail Authority published its Freight Strategy on 3 May 2001.

Irish Sea Cable

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which body is responsible for the completion of Irish Sea cable reference 360 Atlantic/C.

David Jamieson: Consent was originally granted to Atlantic/C, who have now gone into liquidation. Responsibility for the cable is now in the hands of the administrator—Wallace, Philip Wedgewood.

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by his Department were the subject of a holding answer in the last three sessions of Parliament.

Alan Whitehead: The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions was formed on 8 June 2001. In the period 8 June to 6 December, my Department answered 894 named day parliamentary questions, of which 223 (25 per cent.) received holding answers.

Fluorspar

Tom Levitt: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of Britain's national annual need for fluorspar; what proportion he expects to come from the British fluorspar industry; and what assessment he has made of future fluorspar need.

Sally Keeble: My Department has made no assessment of Britain's national need for fluorspar. Statistics published in the UK Minerals Yearbook indicate that, in 1999, some 40,000 tonnes were produced in the UK and estimated that about 43,000 tonnes were imported. It also indicated that about 5,000 tonnes were exported. This suggests that some 78,000 tonnes were used nationally in that year.

Local Public Service Agreements

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessments he has made concerning the use of local public service agreements; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Byers: Local public service agreements help our drive to improve services in partnership with local authorities. Twenty local authorities negotiated agreements with the Government earlier this year, in the pilot stage of this scheme. Each authority proposes demanding targets for key local services over the next three years, covering a mix of central government priorities and priorities of the authority's area. The Government offer possible relaxations in statutory and administrative requirements, some initial financial help, and the prospect of a reward grant for achieving the demanding targets agreed. The scheme is on offer to a further 130 authorities, 119 of which have already sought an opportunity to participate. The first of these further agreements are now being concluded.

Housing (Departmental Definitions)

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will publish his department's definition of (a) affordable housing, (b) social housing, (c) key worker, (d) low income earner and (e) intermediate income earner.

Stephen Byers: Affordable housing, when used in planning guidance, refers to low cost market and subsidised housing.
	Social housing is normally used to refer to subsidised housing provided by local authorities or registered social landlords for rent.
	There is no national definition of (c), (d) and (e). However, local authorities may use some of these terms in assessing local housing needs and defining what they regard as affordable housing within their area. Such definitions are usually based on the level of local incomes and their relationship to house prices or rents. In defining key workers authorities will need to decide upon those groups in need of affordable housing who contribute to essential service provision.

Local Government White Paper

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will publish the White Paper on local government.

Stephen Byers: The Local Government White Paper will be published shortly.

Mobile Phone Masts

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will reconsider the guidance given in PPG8 in respect of the siting of mobile phone masts; and what further research he has commissioned into the effects on health following the Stewart report.

Sally Keeble: On 22 August 2001 we significantly strengthened the planning arrangements for telecommunications development. We have introduced two sets of regulations and a revised Planning Policy Guidance Note 8, "Telecommunications" (PPG8). The revised PPG8 takes account of the conclusions of the Stewart report. We have no plans to reconsider the guidance.
	The Stewart report recommended that a substantial research programme should be set up to investigate the potential health effects of mobile phone technology as a whole. This programme has been set up by Government under the direction of an independent scientific management committee who have recently assessed a range of research proposals. The first group of projects is expected to start shortly. Information about the research is being made available at www.mthr.org.uk

Social Service Departments

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many local authority social service departments have applied to his Department for financial support in the current financial year.

Alan Whitehead: Local authorities will have applied for the various types of financial support run by this Department. Records of these applications are not kept centrally. The Department has received a number of representations about the pressures on local authorities' social service budgets. The Government announced an additional £300 million to cover 2001–02 and 2002–03 to assist councils in building care capacity. We have also recently announced our proposals for the funding of local government revenue expenditure in 2002–03. Provision for spending on Personal Social Services is set to increase by £684 million next year or 6.5 per cent.

Area Cost Adjustments

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much (a) Tewkesbury's, (b) Cheltenham's and (c) Gloucestershire's revenue support grant has been changed as a result of the area cost adjustment in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available.

Alan Whitehead: The Area Cost Adjustment (ACA) is used in calculating Standard Spending Assessments (SSA) for each authority. The table compares total SSA for the 2001–02 local government finance settlement, with what total SSA would have been if the ACA was not included in the grant distribution formulae:
	
		
			 Local authority 2001–02 Settlement SSA (£ million) Without ACA (£ million) Absolute difference (£ million) Percentage difference 
		
		
			 Gloucestershire 395.746 400.394 4.648 1.20 
			 Cheltenham 10.644 11.191 0.546 5.10 
			 Tewkesbury 6.919 7.072 0.152 2.20 
		
	
	There is an interaction between the ACA and deprivation indicators in the formulae which means that if the ACA is excluded, the weighting given to deprivation changes. This is why the impact of leaving out the ACA varies between authorities. The figures should be treated as approximate. This is because, if the ACA is excluded, it is possible that the analyses on which the formulae are based would find that some of the deprivation and other indicators that appear in the formulae would change. We have assumed that, apart from the ACA, all the other indicators that appear in the formula are the same.
	The ACA methodology has not been changed since 1994–95. The consequence of leaving out the ACA will therefore be broadly the same as the above figures for other years since then.

Area Cost Adjustments

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the local authorities which were net recipients under the area cost adjustment scheme in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Whitehead: For the 2002–03 Local Government Finance Settlement, announced for consultation on 4 December, the authorities listed receive an area cost adjustment (ACA).
	Camden
	Greenwich
	Hackney
	Hammersmith and Fulham
	Islington
	Kensington and Chelsea
	Lambeth
	Lewisham
	Southwark
	Tower Hamlets
	Wandsworth
	Westminster
	Barking and Dagenham
	Barnet
	Bexley
	Brent
	Bromley
	Croydon
	Ealing
	Enfield
	Haringey
	Harrow
	Havering
	Hillingdon
	Hounslow
	Kingston upon Thames
	Merton
	Newham
	Redbridge
	Richmond upon Thames
	Sutton
	Waltham Forest
	Bedfordshire
	Buckinghamshire
	East Sussex
	Essex
	Hampshire
	Hertfordshire
	Isle of Wight Council
	Kent
	Oxfordshire
	Surrey
	West Sussex
	Council for the Isles of Scilly
	Broxbourne
	Dartford
	Elmbridge
	Epping Forest
	Epsom and Ewell
	Hertsmere
	Reigate and Banstead
	South Bucks
	Spelthorne
	Three Rivers
	Watford
	Slough
	Basildon
	Brentwood
	Chiltern
	Crawley
	Dacorum
	East Hertfordshire
	Guildford
	Harlow
	Mole Valley
	Sevenoaks
	St. Albans
	Surrey Heath
	Tandridge
	Waverley
	Welwyn Hatfield
	Woking
	Bracknell Forest
	Thurrock
	Windsor and Maidenhead
	Adur
	Arun
	Ashford
	Aylesbury Vale
	Basingstoke and Deane
	Bedford
	Braintree
	Canterbury
	Castle Point
	Chelmsford
	Cherwell
	Chichester
	Colchester
	Dover
	East Hampshire
	Eastbourne
	Eastleigh
	Fareham
	Gosport
	Gravesham
	Hart
	Hastings
	Havant
	Horsham
	Lewes
	Maidstone
	Maldon
	Mid Bedfordshire
	Mid Sussex
	New Forest
	North Hertfordshire
	Oxford
	Rochford
	Rother
	Rushmoor
	Shepway
	South Bedfordshire
	South Oxfordshire
	Stevenage
	Swale
	Tendring
	Test Valley
	Thanet
	Tonbridge and Malling
	Tunbridge Wells
	Uttlesford
	Vale of White Horse
	Wealden
	West Oxfordshire
	Winchester
	Worthing
	Wycombe
	Brighton and Hove
	Luton
	Medway
	Milton Keynes
	Portsmouth
	Reading
	Southampton
	Southend-on-Sea
	West Berkshire
	Wokingham
	Bedfordshire Police Authority
	Essex Police Authority
	Hampshire Police Authority
	Hertfordshire Police Authority
	Kent Police Authority
	Surrey Police Authority
	Sussex Police Authority
	Thames Valley Police Authority
	Greater London Authority.
	The geographical coverage of the ACA has remained the same since 1993–94, although local government reorganisation has taken place over the period. Some of the authorities listed above have changed from district to unitary status, though they received an area cost adjustment in both cases. In some cases, former districts were combined at the time of reorganisation. The predecessor authorities as listed, also received an area cost adjustment:
	
		
			 Predecessor billing authority Reorganised authority 
		
		
			 1 April 1995  
			 The Council of:  
			 The Borough of MedinaThe Isle of Wight  
			 The Borough of South Wight  
			   
			 The Borough of BrightonThe Borough of Brighton and Hove  
			 The Borough of Hove  
			   
			 1 April 1998  
			 The Borough of GillinghamThe District of the Medway Towns  
			 The City of Rochester upon Medway(now Medway)  
		
	
	The Greater London Authority took responsibility of the functions of the Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District and the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority from July 2000.

Area Cost Adjustments

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to review the area cost adjustment; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Whitehead: We are reviewing the area cost adjustment as part of our current review of all the grant distribution formulae. We intend to implement changes in the 2003–04 local government finance settlement. We are actively involving local government in the review process, and all relevant papers are available on the Local Government Association website.

High Hedges

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the project by the Building Research Establishment and Tree Advice Trust to develop an objective way of assessing the obstruction of light by hedges will be completed; and when the report will be published.

Sally Keeble: The Building Research Establishment (BRE) and Tree Advice Trust have now completed their project to develop an objective method for assessing whether high hedges block too much daylight and sunlight to adjoining properties, and to provide guidance on hedge heights to alleviate these problems.
	Copies of the final report of their work, together with guidelines for calculating hedge height, have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. These documents are also being published on my Department's website.
	The guidelines explain how to calculate whether a hedge is likely to block out too much light from a garden and from the main rooms of a house. In relation to gardens, the procedure looks at what portion of the garden is shaded by the hedge and what direction it faces. For the rooms of a house, the main factor is the distance from its windows to the hedge. Some of the details of this formula have been refined in the light of the results of consultation and field-testing on a sample of problem hedges.
	We want to encourage people to apply the BRE guidelines to their problem hedge and to use the results to try to settle matters with their neighbours amicably. We will, therefore, be preparing a leaflet specifically designed for this purpose. It will include a simplified version of the BRE guidelines as well as advice on how people might approach their neighbours with this information to try and agree a solution. We will be involving local authority, professional, consumer and advice groups in its development and expect to launch the leaflet in spring next year.
	We recognise, of course, that in some cases guidance and voluntary action is no substitute for a legal remedy. We remain committed, therefore, to bringing forward legislation to set up a statutory complaints system for dealing with high hedge problems as soon as there is space in the Parliamentary timetable.

Rail Safety

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the signals passed at danger at least three times by trains stating the number of times this has occurred; what action has been taken at each signal to prevent these signals being passed at danger; and what has been the annual cost of this action in the last six years.

David Jamieson: The information is as follows:
	(a) A full list showing signals passed three times or more has been placed in the Libraries of the House.
	(b) Actions
	The fitment programme for the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) will be completed by the end of 2003. The rail industry has initiated a "SPADRAM" (Signals Passed at Danger Reduction and Mitigation) programme which covers a wide range of issues, eg signal sighting, human factors, driver training. Within this programme some of the specific actions include:
	highlighting these signals to drivers;
	vegetation control;
	provision of different backboards;
	countdown markers;
	repositioning of Signal Post Telephones;
	realignment and repositioning of signals;
	provision of repeater signals;
	changing signalling sequences.
	(c) Cost
	It is not possible to separate out SPAD mitigation costs from other expenditure.

Rail Safety

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the Health and Safety Commission's working group looking at risks associated with road rail interface will publish its findings.

David Jamieson: The Health and Safety Commission hope that its report and recommendations will be available in the first quarter of 2002.

Rail Safety

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent steps Railtrack has taken to ensure that a supervisor is employed on a continual basis in all signal (a) boxes and (b) centres to manage the operation of workstations.

David Jamieson: This is an operational matter for Railtrack.

Rail Safety

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Health and Safety Executive on the (a) benefits and (b) outcomes that have resulted from the monthly publications of reports on SPADS.

David Jamieson: Publication of the Health and Safety Executive's monthly reports on signals passed at danger (SPADs) on the Railtrack network, copies of which are placed in the Library of the House, has put the information into the public domain, provided detailed comparisons by train operating company and outlined the action being taken by the industry to reduce the incidence of SPADs.

Rail Safety

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  what steps have been taken by Railtrack to introduce a system for the central tracking of those recommendations within Part 1 of the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry report directly made to Railtrack; and whether this has been extended in those cases where recommendations are directed to (a) train operating companies and (b) others;
	(2)  what progress has been made by Railtrack to improve the speed at which signallers are able to take action to move points in an emergency;
	(3)  what progress has been made towards ensuring that railway (a) signallers and (b) drivers jointly attend away days and other training; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  what research on the understanding of human factors as they relate to train driving his Department conducted between June and November; and what steps are being taken to ensure further research is conducted in this area;
	(5)  what consideration has been made by train operating companies of the possibility of providing snap wands as a supplementary means of providing lighting in an emergency;
	(6)  what progress has been made to extend the computerisation of information to be used by the police service, in co-operation with the emergency services, in the event of a major incident involving passenger rail services; and if he will make a statement;
	(7)  what progress has been made to ensure that the police service, in conjunction with emergency services, ensure that common telephone numbers are issued for the use of members of the public who are seeking to obtain or give information about persons who have or may have been involved in a major incident involving a passenger rail service;
	(8)  what steps have been taken by Railtrack management to (a) set out and (b) apply the criteria for allowing signallers to exceed the maximum of 72 hours per week;
	(9)  what progress Railtrack has made towards the introduction of simulators for the training of signallers in dealing with emergencies;
	(10)  if instructions for railway signallers on their response to a SPAD provide a set of options, including the use of CSR, either to send an emergency stop message to a particular train or a general stop message; and whether such instructions are supported by full and regularly repeated briefing as to the type of circumstances in which each option is appropriate;
	(11)  what progress has been made to ensure that the computerisation of information in the event of a major incident involving passenger rail services is extended to all police forces;
	(12)  when Railtrack conducted a safety examination of the layout within two miles of Paddington Station; whether this included a risk assessment; and if he will make a statement;
	(13)  what steps (a) have been taken and (b) are planned, by train operating companies to ensure that all members of the on-board train staff, including those under contract, have been trained in train (i) evacuation and (ii) protection;
	(14)  at which locations ambiguity in the meaning of very short duration, under the Railway Safety Group standard on signal sighting, has caused problems; whether a retrospective review of all such locations has taken place; and what action has been taken in those locations where problems have been identified;
	(15)  whether the expression overhead line equipment, under the Railway Safety Group standard on signal sighting, has been clarified to refer only to wires and droppers;
	(16)  what progress has been made with the application of NVQs to the driver licensing scheme under the ATOC study on the central licensing of drivers;
	(17)  what steps have been taken by Railtrack to ensure that (a) signallers, (b) managers and (c) maintenance staff working at integrated electronic control centres are instructed as to the need to preserve CSR data disks in the event of a SPAD taking place;
	(18)  what steps have been taken to ensure that the reports made by Railtrack about a SPAD include a report by the signaller as to (a) their actions and (b) the reasons for such actions;
	(19)  if he will publish the guidance provided by the Health and Safety Executive under the provisions in Schedule 1 of the Railway (Safety Case) Regulations 2000 regarding (a) evacuation and (b) escape;
	(20)  what consideration has been made for turbo trains of (a) the enhancement of end pillar weld connections, (b) the possible enhancement of crashworthiness by weakening the ends and strengthening the saloon of the cars and (c) the fitting of (i) shear-out couplers and (ii) anti-overriding devices;
	(21)  what steps have been taken by (a) train operating companies and (b) ROSCOs to ensure that emergency signs on-board trains are (i) luminous and (ii) capable of being understood by passengers without the necessity to read text;
	(22)  who has the responsibility to decide whether the recommendations of a signal sighting committee under the group standard on SPADs are to be implemented under Railtrack's safety management system;
	(23)  what steps have been taken since the crash at Ladbroke Grove to review the standard for crashworthiness of (a) vehicles used on the rail network in order to ensure that there are adequate measures for safeguarding survival space and (b) new vehicles;
	(24)  whether the definition of very short duration, under the Railway Safety Group standard on signal sighting, was revised between June and November;
	(25)  what progress has been made towards ensuring that Railtrack introduce a risk assessment when a material change to (a) track and (b) signalling is proposed; and whether this is being conducted on a holistic basis at the design concept stage and repeated at defined stages up to and including implementation;
	(26)  what steps (a) have been taken and (b) are planned, by (i) train operating companies and (ii) ROSCOs to test the practicability of building emergency hammers into the passenger alarm system so that they can be released only after an alarm has been activated;
	(27)  what research (a) has been conducted and (b) is planned by (i) train operating companies and (ii) ROSCOs into (A) the feasibility of, and risks associated with, removable windows, (B) the adequacy of windows as a means of emergency egress, (C) the number of dedicated windows that are necessary and (D) the provision as to the maximum distance between each passenger and bodyside door or emergency exit;
	(28)  what the steps included by train operating companies are in their daily routine check of every train;
	(29)  which train operating companies have conducted a review of the effectiveness of the systems which are in place to deliver the required level of driver competence over the six month period June to November; what these reviews have concluded; and what progress has been made to retest drivers against revised systems;
	(30)  what steps have been taken by the Association of Train Operating Companies to obtain expert assistance on the advice which should be given to passengers as to what to do in the event of there being a known threat of serious danger to them remaining on board after an accident;
	(31)  whether the use of the term "disregard" in the Railway Group standard on SPADs and its associated documentation was revised between June and November;
	(32)  if he will provide details for each train operating company of (a) the criteria against which drivers are tested under their driver training and testing programmes, (b) the minimum standard that must be reached for each of these criteria for drivers to reach a definite pass standard, (c) what steps have been taken between June and November to develop these standards, (d) what further steps are planned to develop these standards and (e) what consideration has been made of how often drivers should repeat key steps in their training before submitting themselves for testing;
	(33)  what steps to strengthen the (a) safety audit process and (b) quality of communication under the process under the Railway (Safety Case) Regulations 1994 (i) have been taken between June and November and (ii) are planned;
	(34)  what steps have been taken by (a) train operating companies and (b) ATOC to ensure that the availability on trains carrying passengers of the items of emergency equipment mentioned in the standard on emergency and safety equipment is unrestricted;
	(35)  what steps have been taken to enhance the security of (a) seating in turbo trains and (b) tables in high speed trains;
	(36)  what market research (a) has been conducted and (b) is planned with regard to railway safety related measures;
	(37)  what (a) assessment and (b) research his Department has made of the problem of shortages of trained and skilled staff within the railway industry with special reference to (i) drivers, (ii) signallers and (iii) engineers;
	(38)  what steps (a) have been taken and (b) are planned, by (i) Railtrack, (ii) train operating companies and (iii) ROSCOs to study the possibility of installing on driver-only trains a telephone by which passengers can communicate with the signaller in the event of the driver being killed or incapacitated;
	(39)  what steps (a) have been taken and (b) are planned, by (i) train operating companies and (ii) ROSCOs to review the (A) adequacy of the number of and (B) signage relating to emergency hammers on board trains;
	(40)  what progress has been made by the railway group to review (a) emergency planning, (b) liaison with the emergency services and (c) arrangements for the aftercare of survivors and provision of (i) support and (ii) facilities for the bereaved and injured of passenger rail accidents;
	(41)  when he expects the Health and Safety Commission to publish the outcome of the first six monthly review of Lord Cullen's recommendations within Part 1 of the Ladbroke Grove Inquiry report;
	(42)  what steps (a) have been taken and (b) are planned by (i) Railtrack, (ii) train operating companies and (iii) ROSCOs to study the feasibility of introducing remote broadcasting from outside the train where this is not already available;
	(43)  what measures (a) have been introduced and (b) are planned within the railway industry to enhance protection against fire;
	(44)  what recent steps have been taken to provide passengers with general safety advice (a) before and (b) after they have boarded their train; and what proportion of train operating companies provided this information (i) as of June and (ii) at the last date for which information is available;
	(45)  what assessment he has made of the (a) enhancement of the cabs on high speed trains to improve driver protection and (b) the enhancement of measures for the retention of bogies on the coaches of high speed trains;
	(46)  what steps have been taken to establish a system for the collection of human factors information pertinent to issues of passenger safety following rail accidents;
	(47)  what steps have been taken to update the code of practice on public information on train (a) safety and (b) emergencies; and what plans there are to update the code of practice;
	(48)  when Railtrack carried out the (a) risk assessments and (b) consequent actions required under Group Standard GK/RT 0078 in respect of the signals in the Paddington area; and if he will make a statement;
	(49)  what reviews Railtrack has conducted of the work of signallers in order to identify non-essential tasks;
	(50)  if he will provide details of the recommendations of WS Atkins' Initial Study of Signal Sighting, Issue 1, published on 6 March 2000, which his Department plans to act upon;
	(51)  what changes in the frequency in the briefing by driver standards managers of drivers from Thames Trains have taken place since the beginning of June;
	(52)  what steps have been taken by (a) training operating companies and (b) ROSCOs to ensure that staff-only doors on all trains have an override device to enable them to be used by passengers in an emergency;
	(53)  what steps have been taken by (a) Railtrack and (b) train operating companies (i) to examine the availability of signal sighters and (ii) to ensure an adequate supply of trained signal sighters;
	(54)  what progress has been made to consider, in the case of new vehicles constructed of aluminium used on the rail network, (a) the use of alternatives to fusion welding, (b) the use of improved grades of aluminium which are less susceptible to fusion weld weakening and (c) the further development of analytical techniques;
	(55)  if he will provide details of changes made in (a) the direction of running of line three from Paddington station and (b) speed limits on any of the lines between two and six miles out of Paddington Station; and in each case (i) whether a risk assessment has been carried out to the satisfaction of HMRI and (ii) if additional measures have been (A) implemented and (B) shown to have been effective;
	(56)  what research (a) has taken place and (b) is planned, by (i) train operating companies, (ii) ROSCOs and (iii) train manufacturers into developing a means of safeguarding emergency lighting systems from disablement by the forces involved in sudden deceleration;
	(57)  what steps have been taken to standardise between (a) train operating companies and (b) rolling stock (i) the safety information issued to passengers and (ii) the means by which they can (A) be evacuated and (B) escape from a train;
	(58)  what revisions of the Railway Safety group standard on signal sighting took place between June and November; and if he will list details of those (a) groups and (b) individuals involved in this process of revision; and what plans there are for further revision of these standards;
	(59)  what steps have been taken by (a) train operating companies and (b) ROSCOs to develop signage in the form of pictograms similar to those used on aircraft and conforming to current human factors standards on signage depicting the correct operation of emergency door mechanisms;
	(60)  what steps have been taken by (a) train operating companies, (b) ROSCOs and (c) the HMRI to assess the number of train coaches which have internal doors that slide in the same direction and will need to be replaced by 31 December 2003 under the terms of Lord Cullen's recommendations in Part 1 of the Ladbroke Grove Inquiry report;
	(61)  what progress has been made by (a) Railtrack and (b) train operating companies towards the introduction of a national system of direct radio communication between trains and signallers;
	(62)  what steps have been taken to make progress with the ATOC study on the central licensing of drivers over the six month period June to November; and what additional steps are planned;
	(63)  what steps have been taken by (a) Railtrack and (b) train operating companies to train (i) signallers and (ii) drivers so as to appreciate the (x) nature and (y) demands of each other's work;
	(64)  what steps have been taken by (a) Railtrack, (b) train operating companies and (c) other groups to train persons who (i) investigate and (ii) make recommendations as a consequence of SPADs in the (A) identification of human factors and (B) root cause analysis;
	(65)  whether instructions for railway signallers on their response to a SPAD dictate that the signaller should make an assessment and take action immediately;
	(66)  if he will list changes in Railtrack procedures, and the actions of management to enforce them, in response to Lord Cullen's recommendations within Part 1 of the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry report;
	(67)  what progress has been made towards the (a) teaching and (b) practice of defensive driving by train operating companies;
	(68)  what progress has been made by Railtrack to provide signallers with the opportunity to practise the controlling of train movements;
	(69)  what steps have been taken by (a) train operating companies, (b) ROSCOs and (c) train manufacturers to carry out a (i) feasibility and (ii) risk assessment into the incorporation of escape hatches in (A) existing and (B) new carriages;
	(70)  what steps have been taken by Railtrack to institute a system whereby all signallers in a signal (a) box and (b) centre are briefed by their line manager following a SPAD in their area; and what steps have been taken to ensure that there is appropriate dissemination of information which may be of assistance to signallers elsewhere;
	(71)  what progress has been made towards the introduction by Railtrack of a system in which there is an automatic replacement of a signal to danger where a SPAD takes place;
	(72)  what steps have been taken by Railtrack to improve the alarm system for SPADs in integrated electronic control centres;
	(73)  if he will provide details of how acceptable limits to the temporary obscuration of a signal are defined under the Railway Safety Group standard on signal sighting;
	(74)  what progress has been made by Railtrack towards the introduction of an arrangement whereby a train fitted with CSR sounds an audible warning automatically in the cab when a signal at danger is passed;
	(75)  what changes in scope in Schedule 1 to the Railway (Safety Case) Regulations 2000 took place between June and November; and what further changes are planned;
	(76)  what steps his Department has taken to review the Railway Group standard on SPADs and its associated documentation;
	(77)  what recent steps have been taken by Railtrack to (a) clarify and (b) improve the instructions for signallers as to their response to a SPAD;
	(78)  how the Railway Safety Group standard on signal sighting defines the cab sight lines within which signals must be positioned;
	(79)  in respect of which signals the Railway Safety Group standard on signal sighting deals explicitly with the additional time required for reading;
	(80)  what steps his Department has taken to ensure that all material and information on the activities of the organisation being audited in regard to the area of activity being audited is disclosed to the auditor under the Railway (Safety Case) Regulations 1994;
	(81)  what proportion of passenger rolling stock of each train operating company provides on-board explanatory information about the emergency facilities on the train;
	(82)  what steps (a) have been taken and (b) are planned, by (i) train operating companies and (ii) ROSCOs to study the feasibility of introducing a roaming communication system for train staff;
	(83)  if he will list for each train operating company the proportion of services which make use of on-board announcements to draw attention to safety information.

David Jamieson: Lord Cullen made recommendations on this issue in Part 1 of his Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry report. The Health and Safety Commission is reviewing the industry's compliance with all the recommendations and will publish a report in the spring. I will ensure that a copy is placed in the House Library.

Housing Allocation (Paedophiles)

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what information the Government makes available to (a) local authorities, (b) registered social landlords and (c) private landlords to enable them to make appropriate decisions about housing allocations to those convicted of paedophile offences.

Beverley Hughes: I have been asked to reply.
	The Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 introduced a statutory duty on the police and the probation service to make joint arrangements for the assessment and management of risks posed by sexual and violent offenders, including paedophiles, and by other offenders who may cause serious harm to the public. Each police/probation area is required to prepare a report on its discharge of those responsibilities. The first reports will cover the period to 31 March 2002 and will be published next summer. Local authorities and housing associations may be involved in risk management panels and will have access to shared information under protocols established in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Women and Public Services

Joan Ryan: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he intends to report on the Government's work on women and public services.

Barbara Roche: I have today published the report "Better Services—Better Working Lives". Copies have been placed in the Vote Office, and the Libraries of the House.
	This document reports back on the work undertaken to look at how health and education public services are delivered for women. We know that the proportion of women with dependent children working full-time has risen from 59 per cent. in 1991 to 65 per cent. in 2001. But women are still the people responsible for accessing services—91 per cent. of women with school age children say they normally take them to the GP and 61 per cent. take them to school.
	In this publication we report back on what women have told us during a series of regional evidence gathering visits supported by a wide range of good practice examples, new research findings and recommendations for national and local action.
	Copies of "Better Services—Better Working Lives" will be distributed to all the women who took part in the regional evidence gathering visits and through the Department of Health and Department for Education and Skills.

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by the Cabinet Office were the subject of a holding answer in the last three Sessions of Parliament.

Christopher Leslie: The percentage of Cabinet Office parliamentary questions that required a holding reply during the last three Sessions of Parliament is as follows:
	1998–99: 50 had holding replies, which equates to 7 per cent.
	1999–2000: 68 had holding replies, which equates to 8 per cent.
	2000–01: 32 had holding replies, which equates to 11 per cent.

Opinion Polling

Mark Oaten: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list his Department's (a) budgeted and (b) actual expenditure on opinion and market research during each financial year since 1996; what recent assessment he has made of the need to continue to monitor public opinion; by what means he intends to do it; and if will make a statement.

Christopher Leslie: The total expenditure on opinion and market research from the 1997–98 to the 2001–02 financial years is shown in the table.
	
		
			 Year £ million 
		
		
			 1996–97 (16)— 
			 1997–98 0.7 
			 1998–99 0.9 
			 1999–2000 0.3 
			 2000–01 0.4 
			 2001–02 (17)0.4 
		
	
	(16) Not available
	(17) Planned
	Notes:
	1. The figures do not include the salary costs of Cabinet Office staff.
	2. Expenditure undertaken by Central Office of Information on behalf of clients is not included.
	We are reviewing the current and future requirements of the monitoring of public opinion but have not reached any firm conclusions on the tools or vehicles required. We will inform the House in the normal course of business of any conclusions or decisions made in this area.

Public Interest Disclosure

Mark Oaten: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the operation of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1994 as it applies to central Government; and if he will make a statement.

Christopher Leslie: Guidance for civil servants on the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 is set out in the Directory of Civil Service Guidance, volume 2. Copies of the directory are in the Library of the House and on the Cabinet Office website www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/guidance.

Departmental Expenditure Limits

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of the increase in the departmental expenditure limit from 2001–02 to 2002–03 will be accounted for by wage costs.

Christopher Leslie: The level of wage costs within departmental budgets this year and in future years will be dependent upon negotiations. The Departmental Report to be published next spring will give full retrospective costs.

Public Service Agreements

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on progress with the public service agreement target for openness and diversity in the civil service.

Christopher Leslie: The latest figures for April 2001 show that the civil service continues to make steady progress towards the targets for openness and diversity, increasing on all indicators from 1998 baselines:
	24.2 per cent. of the Senior Civil Service are women, up from 17.8 per cent. in 1998. The target for 2004–05 is 35 per cent.
	20.2 per cent. of those in the top 600 posts are women, up from 12.7 per cent. in 1998. The target for 2004–05 is 25 per cent.
	2.4 per cent. of staff at Senior Civil Service level are from a minority ethnic background, up from 1.6 per cent. in 1998. The target for 2004–05 is 3.2 per cent.
	2.0 per cent. of staff at Senior Civil Service level are disabled, up from 1.5 per cent. in 1998. The target for 2004–05 is 3.0 per cent.
	The Cabinet Office has launched 'Pathways', a central development programme targeted at minority ethnic staff with the potential to rise to senior levels.
	The number of successful candidates from minority ethnic backgrounds in the Fast Stream Scheme has doubled from 3.4 per cent. in 1998 to 6.8 per cent. in 2000.

Public Service Agreements

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what opinion research he has undertaken for ascertaining progress in meeting the public service agreement target on responsiveness of public services to the views of users.

Christopher Leslie: A third wave of research ("Wave 6") monitoring and tracking changes in public satisfaction levels against key public services is currently under way. The results will be published in newsletter format and on the internet. Copies will be placed in the House.

Public Service Agreements

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the initial targets to be met by April 2001 in pursuit of the public service agreement target for the delivery of new programmes.

Christopher Leslie: Progress continues to be made across Government towards achieving targets outlined in departmental public service agreements. Details of public service agreements can be found on both departmental and HM Treasury websites and performance against those targets in departmental reports.

Public Service Agreements

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on progress with the public service agreement target to introduce new pay systems to improve Departments' performance.

Christopher Leslie: Departments and agencies are reviewing their pay systems in line with the principles of Civil Service Reform. Good progress is being made and we expect around 80 per cent. to have completed this by April 2002. Departments and agencies will continue to adjust their pay and performance management systems annually against central guidelines, to drive improvements in their performance.

Public Service Agreements

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action has followed fulfilment of the public service agreement target to publish a White Paper on modernising Government.

Christopher Leslie: The Government have moved into a second phase of modernisation, focused firmly on improved service delivery. The reorganisation of the centre of Government, including the creation of the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit and the Office of Public Services Reform, is helping to take this agenda forward.

Public Service Agreements

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on progress this year with the public service agreement target for the saving on administration revenue.

Christopher Leslie: The Cabinet Office has a public service agreement (PSA) target to
	"achieve a 2.5 per cent. saving per year on administrative resources".
	The Department's spending plans are agreed and monitored by Her Majesty's Treasury and its accounts and performance are audited by the National Audit Office.
	The Department's 2000 spending review settlement reflected a reduction in resources available to the Cabinet Office in light of the 2.5 per cent. savings required. The Department has carried out several Better Quality Service Reviews and is continuing to develop and improve its planning, budgeting and procurement systems in order to ensure resources are deployed efficiently and effectively.
	Machinery of Government changes have led to an expansion of the Department, which will result in an overall increase in administrative costs. However the Department intends not to exceed its agreed expenditure limit.

Public Service Agreements

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the performance of (a) the Cabinet Office and (b) other Departments in meeting the public service agreement for electronic service delivery by Government.

Christopher Leslie: Delivery is at the heart of our agenda for transforming public services and e-government is one of the most powerful catalysts we have for achieving that transformation. The Office of the e-Envoy produces both an annual report and regular monthly reports giving details of the progress that is being made. The latest annual report was published on 4 December and is available at http://www.e-envoy.gov.uk/ukonline/champions/anrep– menu.htm.
	The latest figures on progress towards the target of making Government services available electronically by 2005 show that over 50 per cent. of Government services are e-enabled now. Departments predict that 74 per cent. of services will be e-enabled by the end of 2002. This information is available at http://www.e-envoy.gov.uk/ publications/reports/esd/autumn2001/esdrep–2001.htm.

Public Service Agreements

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on progress in securing departments' compliance with the regulatory impact assessment process as part of the Cabinet Office's public service agreement target on the subject;
	(2)  what action has been taken in pursuit of the public service agreement target for improved Government regulation to establish a baseline of compliance with the regulatory impact assessment process.

Christopher Leslie: In accordance with the published SDA target (reference Command Paper CM5119 July 2000), by the end of the 2001–02 financial year we aim to produce a baseline measure of the extent of departmental compliance with the Regulatory Impact Assessment process. Work on this is under way and we will make an announcement in due course.

Knowledge Pool

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on progress with testing and refining the Knowledge Pool approach to evidence-based policy.

Christopher Leslie: The Centre for Management and Policy Studies (CMPS) is currently running a demonstration programme to assess the effectiveness of 'knowledge pools' in contributing to evidence-based policy making and delivery. 'Knowledge Pool' is an initiative to identify and bring together experts and evidence in specific policy areas. It is designed to replicate good practice in knowledge management and to address the need for policy making to be more effectively and efficiently informed by evidence.
	The first phase is now almost complete—CMPS has identified knowledge pool topics, substantially refined the concept of knowledge pools and is currently working closely with sponsoring units to determine how knowledge pools could bring practical benefits to their policy areas.
	Knowledge pools currently in development are sponsored by the Performance and Innovation Unit (Strategic Futures Project), the Social Exclusion Unit, the Regional Co-ordination Unit (Area Based Initiatives Forum) and the new cross-Government Excellence in Policy Making Network set up by CMPS. It is anticipated that further knowledge pools will join the programme in the near future.
	CMPS have also been working together with sponsoring units to design and build a website. This will support collaborative working and knowledge sharing among experts in each of the knowledge pools. It will also provide a channel through which useful information can be made widely accessible. This will be launched early next year.
	The independent evaluation of this programme to assess the effectiveness of knowledge pools in delivering evidence based policy making and practice will be completed in December 2003.

Expenditure and Receipts

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if his Department maintained expenditure and receipts within the voted provision in 2000–01.

Christopher Leslie: The Cabinet Office's provisional outturn for 2000–01 against voted provision is reported in Table 3 of the Public Expenditure 2000–01 Provisional Outturn White Paper (Cm 5243), copies of which are in the Libraries of the House.
	An Appropriation Account showing final outturn will be published as usual.

Performance Targets (Labour Costs)

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if his Department achieved the key performance target in 2000–01 for increasing sales revenue for every pound of expenditure on direct labour costs.

Christopher Leslie: The Cabinet Office as a Department does not have a specific performance target for increasing sales revenue for every pound of expenditure on direct labour costs. However the Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA), which is an executive agency of the Cabinet Office, has a key performance target for increasing sales revenue for every pound of expenditure on direct labour costs.
	The GCDA did not achieve its target for increasing sales revenue for every pound of expenditure on direct labour cost as price increases to customers were held below the rate of inflation. This was reported in the agency's annual report and accounts for the financial year 2000–01, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

Computer Equipment

Peter Duncan: To ask the President of the Council, what has been the average time taken to (a) deliver and (b) install standard computer equipment to hon. Members' offices in (i) the House of Commons and (ii) constituency offices; and if he will make a statement.

Robin Cook: holding answer 4 December 2001
	On average hon. Members who ordered computer equipment after 15 October had their machines delivered to Westminster within 20 days and installed within 24 days.
	In the constituency, the times were 24 days and 28 days respectively. As I explained in response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Andrew Mackinlay) on 25 October 2001, Official Report, column 323W, delays were mainly caused by the complexity of the distribution exercise, which by the end of the financial year will have involved delivering over 6,000 items to over 1,300 locations. In addition, some hon. Members have asked for a delay in installation for their convenience.
	I am delighted to report that delays are now largely eradicated. Hon. Members can now expect to receive their equipment, complete with parliamentary software, as quickly as they would from a major high street retailer. Members who order this week can have both delivery and installation within 15 days if they wish.

Royal Prerogative

Norman Baker: To ask the President of the Council if he will list the orders made through the Privy Council under the royal prerogative in each year from 1997 to date.

Robin Cook: This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The hon. Member may, however, like to know that the vast majority of Orders in Council are made under statute, and of the prerogative Orders in Council and Orders of Council that are made most relate to amendments of the charters, by-laws and statutes of chartered bodies (including universities) and the giving of Royal Assent to Channel Islands legislation.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Disability Discrimination Act

Desmond Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to inform employers of their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 not to discriminate against disabled people.

Maria Eagle: The Government are running media campaigns to raise awareness of disability. Good practice guides and Codes of Practice are available. The Disability Rights Commission's Helpline and website and Equality Direct provide further advice.

Minimum Income Guarantee

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the take-up of the minimum income guarantee in Pendle in the last six months.

Ian McCartney: There are about 2,900 people in receipt of minimum income guarantee in the constituency of Pendle. Nationally, as a result of the national take up campaign over 120,000 more pensioners are now receiving an extra £20 a week. Overall, during the last three years we have provided an extra £12.5 billion to pensioners through the minimum income guarantee.

Minimum Income Guarantee

Laura Moffatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what measures his Department has taken to monitor uptake of the minimum income guarantee since the introduction of the shortened application form.

Ian McCartney: A variety of statistical information will inform our judgment on the success of our new, much improved and shorter minimum income guarantee claim form.
	As a result of the national take up campaign, over 120,000 more pensioners are now receiving an extra £20 a week.
	There are 2,200 pensioners in receipt of minimum income guarantee in the constituency of Crawley.
	Overall, during the last three years we have provided an extra £12.5 billion to pensioners through the minimum income guarantee.

Minimum Income Guarantee

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the earnings disregard is in the calculation of the pensioners' minimum income guarantee; and how the disregard has changed since the introduction of the guarantee.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 5 December 2001
	The earnings disregard is £5 for single pensioners and £10 for couples. In certain circumstances, concerning the receipt of particular premiums or engagement in a special occupation, the disregard may be £20 a week. These disregards have not changed since the introduction of the minimum income guarantee.
	We are continuing to consider the treatment of earnings in the pension credit.

Employment Opportunities (Women)

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action he is taking to remove the obstacles to women's employment opportunities.

Nick Brown: Women can benefit from the range of New Deals and welfare-to-work initiatives that we have introduced to help people overcome the barriers to employment and to make work pay, such as working families tax credit, the national minimum wage, the national childcare strategy and the sure start programme.
	Measures are also being introduced in the current Employment Bill that will help working mothers to remain within the workforce through better balancing of their work and home commitments. This is good for parents, children and business.

Jobseekers

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to improve co-ordination between the benefits system and the support given to people to help them find work.

Nick Brown: The Employment Service and those parts of the Benefits Agency that deal with people of working age are being brought together to form Jobcentre Plus.
	53 Jobcentre Plus offices have now opened, providing for the first time a fully integrated employment and benefit service. First reactions from both individual customers and employers have been overwhelmingly positive. We plan progressively to extend this integration nation-wide beginning later next year.

Jobseekers

Si�n Simon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to enable those unemployed who are the hardest to help find work.

Nick Brown: The range of new deals help disadvantaged groups to move from welfare into work. We are further increasing support for drug mis-users and will be exploring how we can extend that approach to other hard to help groups. We have also introduced Action Teams for Jobs and Employment Zones that, between them, have helped over 32,000 people in the most deprived areas into work.
	In addition, on 28 November we announced StepUP, a new pilot programme to help people who have not been able to find a job through new deal. StepUP will provide transitional jobs lasting up to 12 months and will be the stepping stone for some of the hardest to help unemployed people to reconnect to their local labour markets.

Fuel Poverty

Adrian Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what measures are being taken to combat fuel poverty among pensioners.

Ian McCartney: We have just published our Fuel Poverty Strategy. Measures which will help pensioners in particular include maintaining the winter fuel payment at 200 for the rest of this Parliament, improvements to the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme, and the introduction of pension credit from 2003.
	The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme provides grants of up to 2,000 for comprehensive packages of insulation and heating improvements, including central heating systems for the over-60s.

Pensioners (Benefits)

Kali Mountford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to ensure pensioners who have savings for their retirement do not lose entitlement to benefits.

Ian McCartney: I refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's oral statement on 28 November.
	We have already raised the capital limits for pensioners in the Minimum Income Guarantee. When Pension Credit is introduced we will abolish the rule which excludes pensioners with 12,000 or more in savings from any help and halve the current assumed rate of income. In addition, for the first time, we will rewardnot penalisesavings, ensuring those who have worked hard to save modest amounts gain from having done so.

Pensioners (Benefits)

Tony McWalter: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to help pensioners claim the benefits to which they are entitled.

Ian McCartney: We are always concerned to ensure that those eligible for the receipt of benefits can achieve their legal entitlements and we are particularly concerned to ensure that the poorest among our pensioners have their entitlement increased to reach the Minimum Income Guarantee.
	That is why we launched a national take up campaign in May 2000 writing to 2 million pensioners informing them about MIG. We are following this up and from 15 October 2001 callers to the Retirement Pension telecentre who are not already receiving MIG are asked a series of questions to identify if they may be entitled and encouraged to claim if they wish to do so. Those pensioners who claim Retirement Pension by post are sent a MIG leaflet.
	We are looking at a number of options to extend this service so that a claim to MIG will be invited automatically following certain key life events, for example when the pensioner reaches age 75 or 80 or when another benefit such as Attendance Allowance is awarded.
	We are also working in partnership with organisations for older people to improve access to benefits and take up of the MIG. This includes projects on a national good practice guide and a survey of local take up initiatives.

New Deal

Lawrie Quinn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the impact that the new deal 50-plus has had on getting older people back into work.

Nick Brown: We are committed to the principle of extending opportunity for all to everyone regardless of age, and tackling age discrimination in the workplace. A key element of this is the New Deal 50 plus which has already helped over 50,000 people move into work since its national launch in April 2000.
	We are developing 3rd Age Apprenticeships to increase take up of the New Deal 50 plus training provision, and employer involvement in the programme. These will offer work-based training organised on a sectoral basis, making using of existing New Deal 50 plus funding arrangements, particularly the Training Grant.
	The ongoing AgePositive campaign is challenging workplace attitudes towards age, ensuring employers realise the benefits of employing an age diverse workforce. On 3 December the campaign launched both a new AgePositive website and research studies, including the Evaluation of the Impact of the Code of Practice and Good Practice in the Recruitment and Retention of Older Workers.

New Deal

James Plaskitt: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent discussions he has had with employers on the new deal.

Nick Brown: Since June of this year we have met with key employer organisations and many individual employers. Their input is central to the development of our employment policies and to ensuring that our employment programmes meet local labour market needs and employers' recruitment needs.
	We have also created the National Employment Panel to ensure that employers, and other key customers, have a strong and permanent voice within the Department. The Panel is an employer-led body that will provide independent advice on the design, delivery and performance of our welfare to work initiatives.
	Employers have a central role to play in achieving our goal of creating and sustaining employment opportunities for all.

New Deal

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what training is given to New Deal personal advisers in respect of the new deal 50 plus.

Nick Brown: All personal advisers receive training in interviewing, influencing and motivational skills; effective communication and interpersonal skills; awareness of the diversity of clients and their particular needs. They are also trained in practical skills such as how to conduct In Work benefit calculations, knowledge of the local labour market and ES programmes and services. In addition to this generic training detailed guidance is available on the new deal 50 plus process through the ESCOM computer system which is accessible to advisers in Jobcentres. An Open Learning handbook has also been produced for use by advisers to support the Age Diversity initiative. This contains a section addressing specific new deal 50 plus issues.

New Deal

Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on (a) the number of participants in the new deal for over-50 from Tynemouth constituency in the last 12 months, (b) the destination of people leaving the scheme and (c) the cost involved.

Nick Brown: The new deal 50-plus blend of personal advice, jobsearch help and in-work financial support has proved very successful at helping people over 50 move off benefits and back into work.
	The only measurement of participation in the programme is the number of those who move into work and claim the programme's in-work financial support, the Employment Credit. 92 people went into work with the help of the Employment Credit from Whitley Bay and North Shields Jobcentres, between October 2000 and September 2001. Others will have benefited from the advice and help available from personal advisers.
	The Employment Credit wage top up is paid at 60 per week for full-time work (maximum 3,120) and 40 for part-time work (maximum 2,080), for up to 12 months. In addition, each individual in receipt of the Employment Credit is eligible for a 750 in-work Training Grant.

New Deal

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have entered the new deal gateway (a) once, (b) twice and (c) three times or more in the Buckingham constituency in respect of the (i) new deal for young people, (ii) new deal for 25-plus, (iii) new deal for 50-plus and (iv) new deal for lone parents.

Nick Brown: For new deal for young people, there had been 101 starts on the programme in Buckingham constituency to the end of September 2001. Of these, three young people had entered twice and none had entered three or more times.
	For new deal for 25-plus, there had been 149 starts on the programme in Buckingham constituency to the end of September 2001. Of these, 16 people had entered twice and four had entered three or more times.
	The new deal for lone parents and new deal 50-plus do not have gateways.
	Source:
	New Deal Evaluation Database

New Deal

Howard Flight: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have entered the new deal gateway (a) once, (b) twice and (c) three times or more in Arundel and South Downs in respect of the (i) new deal for young people, (ii) new deal for 25-plus, (iii) new deal for 50-plus and (iv) new deal for lone parents.

Nick Brown: For new deal for young people, there were 129 starts on the programme in Arundel and South Downs constituency to the end of September 2001. Of these, 10 young people had entered twice and none had entered three or more times.
	For new deal for 25-plus, there were 89 starts on the programme in Arundel and South Downs constituency to the end of September 2001. Of these, nine people had entered twice and three had entered three or more times.
	The new deal for lone parents and new deal 50-plus do not have gateways.
	Source:
	New Deal Evaluation Database

New Deal

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) long-term unemployed and (b) lone parents have gained (i) subsidised and (ii) unsubsidised employment under the New Deal scheme in Wiltshire.

Nick Brown: Up to the end of September 2001, the New Deal 25 plus had helped 58 long-term unemployed people move into subsidised employment and 412 into unsubsidised employment in Wiltshire Employment Service District.
	Up to the end of August 2001, the New Deal for Lone Parents had helped 798 lone parents move into work in Wiltshire Employment Service District. Subsidised employment is not a feature of the New Deal for Lone Parents programme.
	Source:
	New Deal Evaluation Database

New Deal

Howard Flight: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people on the New Deal for Young People in Arundel and South Downs have joined (a) the subsidised employment option, (b) the environmental task force option, (c) the voluntary sector option and (d) the full-time education or training option in each year since its inception.

Nick Brown: The information is in the table.
	
		
			  Number of young people starting NDYP options in Arundel and South Downs  
			   Subsidised employment Environment task force Voluntary sector Full-time education and training 
		
		
			 1998 4 1 2 5 
			 1999 3 0 3 3 
			 2000 1 0 1 8 
			 2001(18) 3 1 0 1 
			  
			 Total 11 2 6 17 
		
	
	(18) To end September
	Source:
	New Deal Evaluation Database

New Deal

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) long-term unemployed and (b) lone parents have undertaken training under the New Deal scheme in Wiltshire.

Nick Brown: Up to the end of September 2001, 17 people had started education and training opportunities under the New Deal 25 plus in the Wiltshire Employment Service District.
	Up to the end of August 2001, 102 lone parents had taken up education and training opportunities under the New Deal for Lone Parents in the Wiltshire Employment Service District.
	Source:
	New Deal Evaluation Database

New Deal

David Borrow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans his Department has to monitor the effectiveness of the New Deal for Lone Parents.

Malcolm Wicks: The results of the New Deal for Lone Parents programme are published every month. These show that we have helped lone parents into over 127,000 jobs through this New Deal.
	Extensive evaluation of the programme is being conducted and new items of research are published as they are completed. We expect to publish a report, bringing together findings from all strands of the evaluation, in 2003.

New Deal

Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on (a) the number of participants in the new deal for young people from Tynemouth constituency in the last 12 months, (b) the destination of people leaving the scheme and (c) the cost involved.

Nick Brown: The available information is in the tables.
	
		Tynemouth constituency
		
			  Month Number of new deal for young people participants 
		
		
			 October 2000 240 
			 November 2000 236 
			 December 2000 231 
			 January 2001 246 
			 February 2001 245 
			 March 2001 255 
			 April 2001 259 
			 May 2001 255 
			 June 2001 245 
			 July 2001 239 
			 August 2001 237 
			 September 2001 220 
		
	
	Note:
	Figures are the number of participants at the end of each month and are the latest available. The figures are not cumulative.
	Source:
	New Deal Evaluation Database
	
		Tynemouth constituency
		
			 Destination on leaving the new deal for young people Number of clients 
		
		
			 Unsubsidised employment 471 
			 Other benefits 107 
			 Other known destinations 214 
			 Not known 285 
			  
			 Total leavers 1,077 
		
	
	Note:
	Figures are cumulative to the end of September 2001.
	Source:
	New Deal Evaluation Database
	Estimates of the cost of the programme are not available at constituency level.

New Deal

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people on the new deal for young people in the Buckingham constituency have joined (a) for subsidised employment, (b) the Environmental task force, (c) the voluntary sector and (d) the full-time education or training option in each year since its operation.

Nick Brown: The information is in the table.
	
		Number of young people starting NDYP options in Buckingham
		
			 Year  Subsidised employment Environment task force Voluntary sector Full time education and training 
		
		
			 1998 2 1 4 2 
			 1999 2 1 4 2 
			 2000 1 3 5 0 
			 2001(19) 0 1 0 1 
			  
			 Total 5 6 13 5 
		
	
	(19) To end September
	Source:
	New Deal Evaluation Database

Pension Schemes

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on changes in the availability of final salary pension schemes.

Ian McCartney: The Government recognise the valuable role that final salary schemes play in providing security in retirement. They also recognise, however, that employers provide occupational schemes on a voluntary basis and consequently it is for them to determine the most appropriate pension provision to suit their business needs. We welcome the broadening by occupational pension schemes of their eligibility criteria in response to the introduction of stakeholder pensions.
	The stakeholder pension has helped increase the size of the overall pensions market. The value of new pension sales rose by 9 per cent. in the July to September quarter of this year to 2.8 billion. Regular pension premium business rose by 50 per cent. to 584 million compared with the same period last year.
	There is also evidence of sustained growth in the amounts contributed to non-state pensions from 50 billion in 1997 to 69 billion in 2000.

Long-term Unemployment (Romford)

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action is being taken to alleviate long-term unemployment in Romford.

Nick Brown: Our aim is employment opportunity for all throughout the country. We have put in place a framework that delivers:
	a platform of economic stability and low inflation, to promote sustained growth in output and jobs;
	investment in education and training so people have the skills they need to take up work;
	a labour market policy with a strong work focus so all jobless people have access to vacancies, advice and help with jobsearch;
	a range of new deal programmes which help disadvantaged groups, including the long-term unemployed, move from welfare into work;
	policies such as the national minimum wage and working families tax credit designed to make work pay; and
	locally focused initiatives designed to tackle the problems of particular areas.
	Since 1997, these policies, alongside continued economic growth, have helped to reduce long-term unemployment by 55 per cent. in Romford.
	The new deal for young people and new deal 25 plus are playing an important part in helping long-term unemployed people improve their job prospects and move into work in Romford. Up to the end of September, they had helped over 350 long-term unemployed people move into jobs in the constituency.

Housing Costs

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proposals he has for extending housing costs support to elderly low-income owner- occupiers.

Malcolm Wicks: Over 94,000 pensioners already receive help with their mortgage interest payments through our minimum income guarantee. We expect this number to increase to around 200,000 when the pension credit is introduced. Our detailed proposals for the pension credit were published on 28 November 2001.

Stakeholder Pensions

Gisela Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many stakeholder pensions have been taken out on behalf of under 18-year-olds.

Ian McCartney: 491,694 stakeholder pensions had been sold by the end of October 2001. Information on how many of those were taken out on behalf of under 18-year-olds is not yet available.
	In its recent press release on 3 December the Association of British Insurers said
	we should remember that stakeholder pensions are not the only story. Charges on group personal pensions have fallen as a result of stakeholder pensions, and employers have also widened their eligibility criteria for existing schemes. This means more people are able to save for their retirementan aim shared by the Government and ABI.
	34.

Stakeholder Pensions

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the take-up of stakeholder pensions.

Ian McCartney: Figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) show that up to the end of October 491,694 stakeholder pensions had been sold. A more detailed breakdown of these figures will not be available until next year, but I consider that sales of almost half a million in the first seven months on the market is a very encouraging start. In addition, the ABI figures show 284,821 employers had designated stakeholder pension schemes for their staff.
	In releasing these sales figures the ABI said
	Stakeholder pension providers have worked hard to encourage employers to designate stakeholder schemes. The industry is keen to work in partnership with Government and employers in attracting more employees into employer-designated schemes. But we should remember that stakeholder pensions are not the only story. Charges on group personal pensions have fallen as a result of stakeholder pensions, and employers have widened their eligibility criteria for existing schemes. This means more people are able to save for their retirementan aim shared by the Government and the ABI.

Disability Living Allowance

Simon Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on changes to eligibility for lower rate disability living allowance in respect of those suffering from fear or anxiety.

Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb) on 23 October 2001, Official Report, column 178W.

Disability Living Allowance

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to ensure that applicants for disability living allowance are able to request a face-to-face completion service for application forms.

Maria Eagle: Not all customers who ask for help need or want face-to-face assistance. There is a range of services available including textphone communication, the benefit inquiry line and the DLA/AA helpline which can provide telephone assistance with forms completion and where necessary, customers can be visited in their own homes.
	In addition caller offices have induction loop systems, private interview rooms and when required arrangements will be made for interpreters to assist in face-to-face interviews.

Disability Living Allowance

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to produce information about disability living allowance in a sign language video format.

Maria Eagle: The Department is considering the most appropriate and cost-effective methods of providing information on benefits (not just disability living allowance and attendance allowance) to deaf people. One option being considered is the production of videos.
	This approach, rather than just promoting a single benefit, would give potential customers the ability to decide for themselves what sort of help may be the most appropriate for them.

Action Teams for Jobs

Stephen Ladyman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement about the effectiveness of action teams for jobs.

Nick Brown: Action teams for jobs are one of a range of initiatives we have introduced to help people move into work. Action teams are performing well, so far helping over 15,500 jobless people in the country's most employment deprived areas move into work (41 per cent. of participants). Up to mid-October 2001, the Thanet action team had helped 727 people into work.
	In October, we increased the number of action teams from 40 to 53, and in January 2002 we will increase the number further, to 63.

Employment Zones

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of employment zones in reducing unemployment.

Nick Brown: Employment zones are one of a range of initiatives we have introduced to help long-term unemployed people move into work. The performance of the 15 employment zones is encouraging. Early indications are that almost half of participants find work. We are currently evaluating the zones before deciding how to take the initiative further.

Disabled Access

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to inform those who provide goods and services about the access requirements for disabled people.

Maria Eagle: The Government ran an awareness campaign late last year aimed at service providers. A further campaign will be launched in January. The revised Code of Practice for access requirements was laid before Parliament recently and will be published early next year.

Disability Rights Commission

Sandra Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many cases alleging discrimination against disabled people the Disability Rights Commission has supported financially in its first year of operation.

Maria Eagle: In its first year of operation, the Disability Rights Commission provided or arranged legal representation in 41 cases brought under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Pensioner Poverty

Chris Pond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how he plans to assist pensioners with income just above the poverty line.

Ian McCartney: We have already taken a number of steps to tackle pensioner poverty.
	We introduced the minimum income guarantee (MIG) to provide more money for pensioners as quickly as possible. For example a single pensioner aged 60 to 74 now receives 92.15 a week, an increase of 18 a week since 1997 over and above inflation. From April 2002 single pensioners will see their MIG rise by 6 to 98.15 a week.
	From 2003 pension credit will ensure people aged 60 and over need not live on less than 100 a week (154 for couples) and for the first time, saving will be rewarded instead of being penalised. Pension credit will provide a savings credit for those aged 65 and over who have saved for their retirement and have incomes up to 135 a week (200 for couples), ensuring pensioners with even modest second pensions and savings will get more as a result of their thrift. In addition, we will abolish the rule which excludes pensioners with 12,000 or more in savings from any help and introduce a fairer system for taking into account income for savings.

Special Advisers and Press Officers

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) special advisers and (b) press officers were employed (i) full-time, (ii) part- time and (iii) on a contract basis by his Department in each year since 1992.

Nick Brown: The Department for Work and Pensions was formed on 8 June 2001 from parts of the former Department of Social Security, parts of the former Department for Education and Employment and the Employment Service.
	The Department for Work and Pensions currently employs two full-time special advisers and 11 full-time press officers.

Child Support

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  if new assessments on existing Child Support Agency cases after April 2002 will be made on the new system;
	(2)  if he will make it his policy to bring all existing Child Support Agency cases on to the new formula by 2005.

Malcolm Wicks: From April 2002, new child support cases will have maintenance calculations made under the new system. Most existing cases will be transferred from a common date to the new system. However, some cases will convert earlier if they are linked to a new scheme case. Parents who have arranged their lives around current maintenance payments will need time to adjust to any changes resulting from the new calculation. For this reason, we plan to phase in the new liabilities in stages over a period of up to five years. There will therefore be cases in 2005 that have not reached their new scheme liability.

Departmental Promotions

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department spent on information literature, advertising and campaign material in the financial years (a) 199596, (b) 199697, (c) 199798, (d) 199899 (e) 19992000 and (f) 200001; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Brown: The information is not available in the format requested.
	For such information as is available on marketing expenditure for the year 2000, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Havant (Mr. Willetts) on 27 November 2001, Official Report, column 828W.

Widowers' Benefits

Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many widowers would have been eligible for widowers benefits between 1994 and 2000; and what is his estimate of the cost.

Malcolm Wicks: The information is in the table.
	
		Estimated cost and number of recipients if widows' benefits had been available to men
		
			  Number of recipients Estimated cost ( million) 
		
		
			 199495 90,000 200 
			 199596 90,000 200 
			 199697 90,000 200 
			 199798 90,000 250 
			 199899 90,000 250 
			 19992000 100,000 250 
			 200001 100,000 300 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. It is assumed that widowers' benefits were subject to the same overlapping benefit rules as widows' benefits.
	2. No allowance is made for taxation effects, or for offsetting savings from reduced income-related benefit expenditure.
	3. Costs are rounded to the nearest 50 million, recipients to the nearest 10,000.
	Source:
	Government Actuary Department estimates and DWP Policy Simulation Model.

ONE Pilots

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the integrated claim form piloted in the ONE callcentre pilots.

Nick Brown: As part of the ONE delivery evaluation programme research was carried out among clients and staff, including views on the Integrated Claim Form (ICF).
	Around 48 per cent. of Call Centre clients in 200001 used the ICF to claim two or more benefits. Clients thought the Call Centre process was generally more convenient and they welcomed help in completing complicated forms, although the service was sometimes hampered by IT problems. Clients liked ICFs because they received a partly completed claim form and it reduced the number of forms that they had to complete. The ICF also advises clients as to what will be required at their Personal Adviser (PA) meeting.

ONE Pilots

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the (a) costs and (b) benefits of the ONE pilots introduced in June and November 1999.

Nick Brown: ONE has a comprehensive evaluation programme designed to assess its costs and benefits. We expect final results from the cost benefit analysis to be available in winter 20023.
	Published findings from the voluntary phase of ONE and the early findings from the full participation phase of ONE, which assess the impact of ONE, are available on the Department's website and in the Library.

Work Incentives

Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he has taken to improve incentives for those with children to work; and how many have taken them up in Tynemouth constituency in the last year for which figures are available.

Nick Brown: This Government believe that work is the best form of welfare for those who are able. We have introduced a wide range of measures including the Working Families Tax Credit to help make work pay and the National Childcare Strategy to help make work possible for people with children. Since April this year, lone parents can also get help with childcare payments if they take up part-time work through the New Deal for Lone Parents.
	We are also easing the transition to work through a range of benefit run-ons. Lone parents benefit run-on was introduced in 1999 and in the year 200001 helped over 50,000 lone parents nationally. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit run-ons have been available for a number of years and in 200001 were claimed by 140,000 people nationally. From April this year we have also introduced the Mortgage Interest run-on to help home owners moving from benefits to full time work. The numbers of people taking advantage of all of these run-ons are not available broken down by constituency.

Parliamentary Questions

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will answer the question tabled on 25 October by the hon. Member for Regent's Park and Kensington, North concerning the suspension of child benefit payments.

Malcolm Wicks: I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer given to her on 26 November 2001, Official Report, columns 70708W.

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by his Department were the subject of a holding answer in the last three Sessions of Parliament.

Maria Eagle: The information is in the table.
	
		Percentage of named day parliamentary questions for which holding replies were given
		
			 Session Percentage 
		
		
			 199899 6.5 
			 19992000 9.0 
			 200001 18.5

Medical Assessments

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, North (Ms Walley) of 16 November 2001, Official Report, column 936W, on SEMA, if he will place in the Library, the IMPACT and Corporate Medical Group's assessments of Medical Services' performance against quality targets; if he will estimate the number of occasions that Medical Services have been required to develop and deliver action plans to improve performance where this fails to reach an acceptable standard; and if he will estimate the number of occasions that his Department has claimed service credits from SchlumbergerSema in each year since the contract was signed.

Nick Brown: holding answer 26 November 2001
	A report on Medical Services' performance against quality targets will be prepared for publication before the parliamentary summer recess, and a copy will be placed in the Library.
	Since the contract was signed, Medical Services have been required to develop and deliver one action plan involving all sites, and ten relating to individual Medical Services Centres, to improve performance against service level volume targets.
	Service credits for performance against quantitative service level targets have been applied monthly since September 1999. Qualitative and customer service targets have only recently been introduced.

Diversity

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement 
	(1)  on the cost in (a) 200001 and (b) 200102 of measures to meet the aspirational diversity targets referred to on page 35 of the 2001 Departmental report;
	(2)  on the cost in (a) 200001 and (b) 200102 of the diversity and equal opportunities framework for action.

Nick Brown: The cost of the measures which are intended to enable the Department to achieve its equality targets are inextricably linked to the broader costs associated with the promotion of equal opportunities and diversity, and cannot be separated. These are set out in the table. The key measures themselves are detailed in the Department's Diversity and Equal Opportunities Framework for Action.
	The figures relate to the costs of the Department's central policy team and to corporately funded initiatives. They do not take into account local implementation costs which are managed within regional budgets. In addition, as the principles of equal opportunities and diversity are embedded into all of the Department's human resources policies and procedures it is not possible to identify those costs separately.
	
		
			 Year Cost 
		
		
			 200001 1,242,829 
			 200102(20) 590,154 
		
	
	(20) To the end of October 2001

Pay Scales

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the cost of the reintroduction of common pay scales across his Department.

Nick Brown: Common pay scales were reintroduced into the former DSS as part of the 2000 pay round. The overall cost of the pay package for that year was 67.57 million (equating to a 4.5 per cent. package). Of this, 1.2 per cent. or 17.9 million was the cost of bringing staff on to common pay scales.
	Work is currently under way to inform and cost the approach for next year's pay award which will cover all staff in the newly formed Department for Work and Pensions (including Employment Service and ex DfEE staff).

Long-term Unemployed

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his statement of 28 November, in what circumstances benefit will be withheld from the long-term unemployed.

Malcolm Wicks: Starting in April next year, the Government will pilot a new approach to assist long-term unemployed people who need more intensive help to get into work. Long-term recipients of jobseeker's allowance will be guaranteed a full-time job, lasting up to a year, and paid at the national minimum wage. In return, they will be required to take up that opportunity. It is our intention to ensure that there will be a choice of jobs on offer but no choice of simply remaining on benefit. Anyone who refuses to take up a job offer without good reason will have their benefit withdrawn in the same way as those jobseekers who fail to take up an offer of suitable employment.

Long-term Unemployed

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his statement of 28 November, 
	(1)  in what circumstances long-term unemployed may receive remuneration above the national minimum wage;
	(2)  how much of the remuneration for the long-term unemployed will be provided by (a) Government and (b) employers.

Nick Brown: Long-term unemployed people participating in the new job guarantee scheme will be paid out of Government funds at the national minimum wage. Those with children will also be eligible to apply for working families tax credit in the same way as other workers. In addition, it will be open to employers to make payments on top of the funding provided by the Government but this will be entirely at their discretion.

Long-term Unemployed

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his statement of 28 November, what targets he has set in respect of his proposals for the long-term unemployed, including targets for sustained unsubsidised employment following completion of the 12-month period of employment; and what plans he has made to evaluate his proposals.

Nick Brown: The new approach to assisting long-term unemployed people by guaranteeing them a full-time job will be piloted in 20 areas, starting in April 2002. Because these are pilots, no targets have been set for the number of participants moved into sustained unsubsidised employment. The pilots will provide the information we need to set such targets if and when the scheme is extended.
	The pilots are expected run for up to two years and will be subject to a full and thorough evaluation.

Deafness

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure that examining medical officers acting on behalf of his Department are familiar with the problems of deaf people.

Nick Brown: holding answer 6 December 2001
	All Medical Services doctors are trained to assess deafness in connection with medical examinations for benefit claims. They are trained to evaluate the effects of deafness, as measured by a person's ability to hear and understand the spoken voice, on activities of daily living.
	A training module on Sensory Impairment will be delivered to all Medical Services doctors within the next nine months, as part of the Continuing Professional Education training programme. The module will update and reinforce previous training on assessment of people with hearing and/or visual impairment. It will draw doctors' attention to the communication problems experienced by deaf people, and to the need for effective communication between the doctor and the deaf person, through use of a sign language interpreter when appropriate.

Deafness

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he has taken to ensure that only qualified sign language interpreters are used during medical assessments for deaf people who claim disability living allowance.

Maria Eagle: Medical Services' existing procedures provide for a professional interpreter service for people with hearing difficulties. Where problems arise advice is sought from the Royal National Institute for the Deaf's helpline. However, some people may prefer to have a friend, relation or colleague to act as an interpreter.

Deafness

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many profoundly deaf people are panel members of the Appeals Service.

Maria Eagle: The information is not available. Last year the Appeals Service completed a Diversity Audit of service provision, including the support given to the tribunal members. The audit highlighted the fact that there was insufficient data on the particular needs of panel members. In order to collect this information the Appeals Service is currently undertaking a disability survey of all appeals tribunal members. The results will be available in the new year.

Deafness

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to undertake research into the take-up of disability living allowance among deaf people.

Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave the hon. Member for Daventry (Mr. Boswell), on 6 December 2001, Official Report, column 511W.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what studies he has conducted into overseas (a) experience and (b) practice in connection with vocational rehabilitation.

Nick Brown: holding answer 6 December 2001
	We have commissioned a review of published evaluation evidence of vocational rehabilitation programmes in Europe, North America and Australia. We expect to publish the findings of this review in February 2002.
	The Disability Services Research Partnership is undertaking a study of good practice in work preparation that will include lessons from international research. This project is expected to run until March 2002.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the report of the British Society for Rehabilitation Medicine Vocational RehabilitationThe Way Forward.

Nick Brown: holding answer 6 December 2001
	We welcome the contribution of the British Society for Rehabilitation Medicine to the debate on how to keep those people with an illness or disability in touch with the labour market and to reduce the numbers claiming incapacity benefit. We have fed ideas from the report into the Job Retention and Rehabilitation Pilots, which are in the final stages of design.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what studies he has conducted into the cost- efficiency of (a) early and (b) interim (i) rehabilitation and (ii) work preparation after (A) trauma, (B) illness and (C) degenerative conditions of employees.

Nick Brown: holding answer 6 December 2001
	In 2002 Job Retention and Rehabilitation Pilots will be implemented which will help people in work affected by the onset of a long-term illness or disability. These pilots will test the effectiveness of intervening early with work focused help provided by health, employment and other agencies. The pilots will focus especially on people who complete six weeks on statutory sick pay, and who at that stage are at risk of not working again.
	The evaluation of the Job Retention and Rehabilitation Pilots will provide information on the cost effectiveness of a range of interventions aimed at maintaining in work people in the early stages of a potentially long-term illness or disability.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to improve liaison with (a) the Department of Health and (b) relevant agencies in connection with the delivery of (i) vocational rehabilitation and (ii) occupational health services.

Nick Brown: holding answer 6 December 2001
	Ministers from both Departments expect to meet soon to discuss possible arrangements for joint working to take forward work on vocational rehabilitation.
	We have also been working closely with the Health and Safety Executive and Health Development Agency and we have had discussions with a number of representative organisations, companies and individuals.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has for (a) establishing a centre of excellence for and (b) disseminating good practice in vocational rehabilitation.

Nick Brown: holding answer 6 December 2001
	We have examined existing vocational rehabilitation services in the UK and it is apparent that some of the work being undertaken is of high quality. We are looking for ways to make best use of this work and centres of excellence are one of the options being considered. Disseminating best practice is key to developing such complex strategies, and we expect the Job Retention and Rehabilitation Pilots to inform us about what works, and at what cost and why. We are still looking at how a possible UK vocational rehabilitation strategy might be structured and the organisations that will be involved.

Disability Employment Advisers

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of changes in the workload of disability employment advisers; and what plans he has to improve resources for this activity.

Nick Brown: holding answer 6 December 2001
	Over the past year Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs) have been affected by two major developments. The new deal for disabled people network of job brokers was launched in July this year and a full network was in place by September. The Access to Work (AtW) Process Review has led to the setting up of regional AtW business centres. The AtW role previously carried out in many regions by DEAs is now delivered through specialist AtW Advisers. These changes mean that DEAs are able to place a greater focus on helping disabled people claiming jobseeker's allowance and activities such as placing, assessment and advisory work with individuals and employers.
	These changes, together with the radical modernisation programme being introduced through Jobcentre Plus, will help ensure a major overall improvement in the service provided to disabled people.

Disability Employment Advisers

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to improve training of disability employment advisers with particular reference to developments in (a) medical practice and (b) assistive technologies.

Nick Brown: holding answer 6 December 2001
	The training needs of both Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs) and Access to Work (AtW) advisers are regularly reviewed and changes made where necessary.
	DEAs focus on helping disabled people get or retain work and develop close links with health professionals, including GPs and occupational health workers. The information DEAs obtain from health professionals is used to help identify what employment might be suitable for the individual. This is based on what a person can do and what they might be capable of, with appropriate support or training, and also any continuing medication needs that need to be taken into account in agreeing goals.
	AtW advisers attached to the new AtW business centres are able to use and pool their knowledge and expertise, and have access to expert external advice and assessment of need in relation to assistive technologies.

Departmental Fraud

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what was (a) the total expenditure of his Department and its agencies and (b) the total expenditure on counter-fraud work within his Department and its agencies in the last year for which figures are available.

Malcolm Wicks: Information on the Department's total expenditure is provided in Table 4 of the 200102 Departmental Report.
	The Department set out its strategy for tackling fraud and error in the paper 'A New Contract for Welfare: Safeguarding Social Security' (Cm4276) published on 23 March 1999. The overall aim of the strategy is to have a benefit system which is secure from first claim to final payment.
	The implementation of this strategy means that anti-fraud focus is integral to the work of the Department, as is dealing with the wider agenda of error and incorrectness in benefit payments. It is therefore not possible to account for the cost of anti-fraud work separately.

Remploy

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on progress in implementing the Remploy 21 board strategy for business development.

Maria Eagle: We welcome the progress being made in implementing the Remploy 21 strategy. We have been encouraged by Remploy's ability to adapt its business and take advantage of new opportunities, for instance in white goods recycling and call centre services. We also welcome the new emphasis on learning and development and the very encouraging increase in the numbers of disabled people being helped to progress to unsupported work outside Remploy.

Remploy

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he has had with trade unions in connection with (a) delivery of the Remploy 21 strategy and (b) partnership working with management to deliver agreed objectives for that business.

Maria Eagle: None. Remploy is responsible for all discussions with its trades unions on its future strategy.

Winter Fuel Payments

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the number of people who became newly entitled for the 200001 winter fuel payment but did not make a claim before the cut-off date.

Ian McCartney: According to our estimate about 1.5 million people could have been entitled to claim winter fuel payments in 200001 for the first time, and about 1 million have been paid.
	It is not possible to provide a reliable estimate of the numbers who have not claimed because the estimate of those newly eligible was based on sample data. It is up to the individual, where a claim is necessary, to decide whether or not to make that claim.

Winter Fuel Payments

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the number of people who became newly entitled for the 200102 winter fuel payment and made a claim before 21 September.

Ian McCartney: Our estimate is that some 500,000 people could be newly entitled to winter fuel payments in 200102. Of this figure, at least 255,000 are being paid automatically. By 21 September, 170,000 claims had been received. This figure had risen to 195,000 by 30 November.

Winter Fuel Payments

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the number of eligible people who have not received backdated winter fuel payments for the first three years of the scheme and the value of such payments.

Ian McCartney: An estimated 1.9 million people were eligible for backdated payments for the first three years of the scheme. Around 1.2 million payments have now been made.
	It is not possible to provide a reliable estimate of the numbers of unclaimed backdated payments, because the estimate of those eligible was based on sample data. There is no time limit on claiming backdated payments.

Winter Fuel Payments

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what is the estimated saving to the Exchequer from those who were newly entitled to the 200001 winter fuel payment and did not claim before the cut-off date.

Ian McCartney: It is not possible to estimate reliably the value of unclaimed winter fuel payments for this group, because the estimate of those newly eligible was based on sample data. It is up to the individual, where a claim is necessary, to decide whether or not to make that claim.

Passported Benefits

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if recipients of the guarantee credit will be entitled to the same passported benefits as recipients of income support.

Ian McCartney: Subject to the agreement of the devolved Administrations and parliamentary scrutiny of the State Pension Credit Bill and the new Tax Credits Bill, we propose that recipients of the guarantee credit should be entitled to the same passported benefits as recipients of income support.

Minimum Funding Requirement

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the time limits for scheme minimum funding requirements.

Ian McCartney: The minimum funding requirement (MFR) was introduced from April 1997, and requires pension schemes to which it applies to correct underfunding within specified periods. During the transitional period, which ends on 5 April 2002, schemes which are underfunded on the MFR basis have until 5 April 2003 to bring funding up to 90 per cent. of the MFR level, and until 5 April 2007 to bring funding up to 100 per cent. of the MFR level.
	We are currently consulting on a set of draft regulations which will introduce changes to the current MFR in advance of its replacement. One of the proposed changes will extend these periods to allow three years for schemes to reach the 90 per cent. level, and 10 years to reach the 100 per cent. level. The consultation ends on 10 December, and we plan to introduce new arrangements before April next year.

Pay Gender Gap

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the pay gender gap; what measures he has taken to address the issue; and if he will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 22 November 2001
	I have been asked to reply.
	The pay gap is at its lowest ever, and has halved since the introduction of the Equal Pay Act 1970. The new Earnings Survey 2000 indicates that women currently earn 81 pence for every pound a man earns.
	Earlier this year the Government asked Denise Kingsmill to examine and report on possible measures to improve women's employment prospects and so reduce the pay gap. My hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office and I welcome this report, published on 5 December, which examines non-legislative and cost effective measures to improve women's employment prospects and participation in the labour market and to achieve greater equality of pay.
	A number of Government initiatives are already under way to tackle this important issue, including key elements of the Employment Bill. The Government's full response to the 14 recommendations made in the Deputy Competition Commissioner's report is available in the Libraries of the House.

Bereavement Benefits

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on new bereavement benefits; what efforts have been made to publicise this benefit to the public; and under what circumstances someone would be eligible for the benefit.

Malcolm Wicks: Bereavement Benefits were introduced on 9 April 2001 and are available to both men and women for the first time. They concentrate the help available where and when it is needed most, on immediate needs and on families with children. Entitlement is based on the National Insurance record of the deceased spouse.
	Since March 2000 the Department has issued leaflets on the new bereavement benefits to doctors' surgeries, Post Offices and benefit advisers. Articles explaining the new benefits were placed in a variety of magazines prior to their introduction in April 2001. In addition, to ensure that as many men as possible were able to claim Widowed Parent's Allowance from the outset, the Department identified over 11,000 potential male beneficiaries from the Child Benefit computer system and sent them claim forms in March 2001.

Tax Credits

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much of the proposed expenditure on the pension credit in 200304 is attributable to (a) the guarantee credit and (b) the savings credit.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 6 December 2001
	It is estimated that our proposals for the Pension Credit will increase benefit expenditure by approximately 1 billion in 200304 when Pension Credit is introduced in October 2003. This expenditure is in addition to the expenditure of approximately 2 billion on the Minimum Income Guarantee which has been forecast for the same period.
	Of the additional expenditure of 1 billion: approximately 220 million is attributable to the changes to Housing and Council Tax Benefits; approximately 450 million is attributable to the savings credit; and, the remainder is attributable to the other proposed changes such as the way in which capital is treated.

Savings Credit

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate 
	(1)  the annual cost of extending entitlement to the savings credit to all those aged 60 years or over;
	(2)  the number of pensioners who would gain if the lower age limit for eligibility for the savings credit were reduced to 60 years.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 6 December 2001
	No.
	As our response to the consultation exercise The Pension Creditthe Government's proposals makes clear, the qualifying age for the savings credit has been set at age 65 because we are required by law to treat men and women in the same way. Age 65 is the first point at which the state pension, including the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme, is available to both men and women. So this is the earliest point at which the savings reward can be paid without discrimination.

Pensions

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assumptions he proposes to make about the increases in claimants' pensions during the period between an initial pension credit claim and a routine reassessment of that claim.

Ian McCartney: We propose to automatically uprate the pension credit each year taking into account changes in the state and non-state pensions the pensioner normally has during the five year assessed income period. The calculation will be based on information provided by the pensioner at the start of the award.

Severe Disability Allowance

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate 
	(1)  the cost of abolishing the rule which withdraws severe disability premium from those who are cared for by someone who is receipt of ICA;
	(2)  the number of people who would benefit from abolishing the rule which withdraws severe disability premium from those who are cared for by someone who is in receipt of ICA.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 21 November 2001
	The information is in the table:
	
		Estimated cost and potential gainers in the event of a change to regulations
		
			  Benefit Costs ( million per annum) Potential gainers 
		
		
			 Income Support (including Jobseeker's Allowance (income based)) 70 35,000 
			 Housing Benefit 5 10,000 
			 Council Tax Benefit less than 2.5 10,000 
			  
			 Total 75  
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The costs and potential gainers have been estimated from a Policy Simulation Model which models the benefit rules in 200102.
	2. The estimates are based on data taken from the 19992000 Family Resources Survey, uprated to 200102 prices, benefit and earnings levels.
	3. Costs are rounded to the nearest 5 million except for Council Tax Benefit where the cost would be less than 2.5 million. Potential gainers are rounded to the nearest 5,000. Costs and gainers include estimates for people who would become newly entitled to the income-related benefits in the event of such a change.
	4. Potential gainers cannot be summed to a total because of overlap across the different benefits.
	5. The estimates are based on small sample sizes and are therefore subject to a degree of uncertainty.

Working Time Directive

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in the EU on the working time directive.

Alan Johnson: I have been asked to reply.
	None.

PRIME MINISTER

Ministerial Meetings (Minutes)

Andrew Turner: To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish in the Official Report the guidance available to civil servants minuting meetings between Ministers and others.

Tony Blair: holding answer 6 December 2001
	The Civil Service Code requires all civil servants to undertake their official duties with integrity, impartiality and honesty. This applies to all activities including the minuting of ministerial meetings.

Royal Succession

Norman Baker: To ask the Prime Minister if he will amend the Act of Settlement 1700 to allow a non- protestant to succeed to the throne.

Tony Blair: The Government have always stood firm against discrimination in all its forms and will continue to do so. We have no immediate plans to legislate in this area.

Royal Succession

Norman Baker: To ask the Prime Minister if he will introduce legislation to repeal the Royal Marriages Act 1772.

Tony Blair: There are no plans to do so at present.

Royal Succession

Norman Baker: To ask the Prime Minister if he will take steps to ensure that succession to the throne is henceforth based on primogeniture irrespective of gender.

Tony Blair: There are no plans to legislate in this area at present.

Senior Salaries Review Body

Ian Lucas: To ask the Prime Minister what the revised terms of reference of the Senior Salaries Review Body are.

Tony Blair: The terms of reference of the Senior Salaries Review Body have been revised as follows to allow the Scottish Parliament, the Northern Ireland Assembly, the National Assembly for Wales and the Greater London Authority to ask for advice on the pay, pensions and allowances of their members and office holders.
	The Review Body on Senior Salaries provides independent advice to the Prime Minister, the Lord Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Defence on the remuneration of holders of judicial office; senior civil servants; senior officers of the armed forces; and other such public appointments as may from time to time be specified.
	The Review Body also advises the Prime Minister from time to time on the pay and pensions of Members of Parliament and their allowances; on Peers' allowances; and on the pay, pensions and allowances of Ministers and others whose pay is determined by the Ministerial and Other Salaries Act 1975. If asked to do so by the Presiding Officer and the First Minister of the Scottish Parliament jointly; or by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly; or by the Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales; or by the Mayor of London and Chair of the Greater London Assembly jointly; the Review Body also from time to time advises those bodies on the pay, pensions and allowances of their members and office holders.
	In reaching its recommendations, the Review Body is to have regard to the following considerations:
	the need to recruit, retain and motivate suitably able and qualified people to exercise their different responsibilities;
	Government policies for improving the public services including the requirement on Departments to meet the output targets for the delivery of departmental services;
	the funds available to Departments as set out in the Government's departmental expenditure limits;
	the Government's inflation target.
	In making recommendations, the Review Body shall consider any factors that the Government and other witnesses may draw to its attention. In particular it shall have regard to:
	differences in terms and conditions of employment between the public and private sectors and between the remit groups, taking account of relative job security and the value of benefits in kind;
	changes in national pay systems, including flexibility and the reward of success; and job weight in differentiating the remuneration of particular posts; and
	the need to maintain broad linkage between the remuneration of the three main remit groups, while allowing sufficient flexibility to take account of the circumstances of each group.
	The Review Body may make other recommendations as it sees fit:
	to ensure that, as appropriate, the remuneration of the remit groups relates coherently to that of their subordinates, encourages efficiency and effectiveness, and takes account of the different management and organisational structures that may be in place from time to time;
	to relate reward to performance where appropriate;
	to maintain the confidence of those covered by the Review Body's remit that its recommendations have been properly and fairly determined; and
	to ensure that the remuneration of those covered by the remit is consistent with the Government's equal opportunities policy.
	The Review Body will take account of the evidence it receives about wider economic considerations and the affordability of its recommendations.

Euro

Michael Weir: To ask the Prime Minister if the results of a future referendum on UK membership of the euro will be broken down by each (a) nation and (b) region of the UK.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) on 2 November 2001, Official Report, column 883W.

Stephen Byers

Norman Baker: To ask the Prime Minister if he will investigate the circumstances surrounding the decision taken by the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, the right hon. Member for Tyneside, North (Mr. Byers), to expend departmental funds to pursue an action against Associated Newspapers and Simon and Schuster.

Tony Blair: The circumstances are set out in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 10 December 2001, Official Report, column 646W.

House of Lords

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to require persons raised to the peerage on his recommendations to serve as Ministers in the House of Lords, to relinquish their peerage when they cease to be Ministers of the Crown; and if he will make a statement.

Tony Blair: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker) on 26 November 2001, Official Report, column 626W.

SCOTLAND

Correspondence

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many, and what proportion of letters received by the Department from right hon. and hon. Members between 20 June and 20 July were replied to in (a) under 15, (b) under 20, (c) under 30, (d) under 40 and (e) over 40 working days.

Helen Liddell: Further to my written answer of 3 December 2001, Official Report, column 92W, six letters were replied to in under 15 days; one in under 20 days; and two in under 30 days.

Budd Report

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment she has made of the implications for private clubs and societies in Scotland of the proposals in the Budd report.

George Foulkes: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport have recently carried out a public consultation on the Budd report. During this consultation, a number of representations were made about the recommendation in the report that jackpot machines should be removed from private clubs. The Government will put forward their proposals on the law relating to gaming once we have fully considered the points made in the consultation. The Scotland Office, and the Scottish Executive, are keeping in close touch with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in this area.

Fishing

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many (a) licensed fishing boats and (b) people employed directly in offshore fishing there were in Scotland in each of the past 10 years.

Helen Liddell: This is a devolved matter, for which the Scottish Executive is responsible.

LORD CHANCELLOR

County Court Judgments

David Kidney: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many orders were made in county courts in England setting aside county court judgments in the last three years; and how many of the judgments had been obtained by (a) Government Departments, (b) utilities and (c) others.

Michael Wills: Specific figures concerning the setting aside of county court judgments are not collected in a way that makes them readily identifiable. Such information will be held within the individual court records and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Magistrates Courts

Mark Todd: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received in 2001 from (a) the Countryside Agency and (b) the rural advocate on proposed closures of magistrates courts; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Wills: The Lord Chancellor's Department has received one representation from (a) the Countryside Agency, and two representations from (b) the rural advocate, on proposed closures of magistrates courts.
	It is the Government's policy that decisions concerning the number, location and future of magistrates courts are for each magistrates courts committee to determine, in consultation with its local paying authority or authorities.

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by the Lord Chancellor's Department were the subject of a holding answer in the last three Sessions of Parliament.

Rosie Winterton: According to departmental records, the percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by the Lord Chancellor's Department which received a holding answer, during the parliamentary Sessions 199899, 19992000 and 200001, was 7.8 per cent. The figures for each parliamentary Session are provided in the table.
	
		Percentage of named day PQs receiving a holding reply in the last three parliamentary Sessions
		
			 Session Number of PQs Number of named day PQs Number of holding replies Percentage 
		
		
			 199899(21) 925 159 51 5.5 
			 19992000(22) 837 206 74 8.8 
			 200001(23) 402 131 44 10.9 
		
	
	(21) December 1998 to November 1999; sitting days 149
	(22) November 1999 to November 2000; sitting days 170
	(23) December 2000 to May 2001; sitting days 83

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Departmental Expenditure

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total expenditure was on (a) advertising, (b) polling, (c) focus groups, (d) design consultants, (e) caterers, (f) production of departmental publications and (g) photographs/ photographers by his Department for each year since 1995 in (i) cash and (ii) real terms; what was (A) the annual percentage increase in spending on each category and (B) spending on each category as a percentage of the total departmental running costs; and if he will make a statement.

Denis MacShane: The known expenditure by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the categories listed by the hon. Member was:
	
		Table 1: Expenditure on each category -- 
		
			  Advertising Design consultants Publications Photographs 
		
		
			 199596 0 547,193 2,188,776 not known 
			   (639,508) (2,558,036)  
			 199697 0 366,383 1,465,534 not known 
			   (415,078) (1,660,313)  
			 199798 54,038 687,199 2,748,800 330,634 
			  (59,391) (755,270) (3,021,084) (363,385) 
			 199899 1,029,850 364,640 1,458,564 227,040 
			  (1,101,033) (389,844) (1,559,380) (242,733) 
			 19992000 54,498 329,833 1,319,336 228,074 
			  (56,877) (344,232) (1,376,931) (238,031) 
			 200001 52,950 355,374 1,421,497 235,225 
			  (53,249) (364,258) (1,421,498) (241,106) 
		
	
	Note:
	Figures in brackets show expenditure in real terms relative to 200102 prices.
	
		Table 2: Annual percentage increases in spending on each category
		
			 Year Advertising Design consultants Publishing Photographs 
		
		
			 199596 to 199697 n/a -33 -33 not known 
			 199697 to 199798 n/a +88 +88 not known 
			 199798 to 199899 +1,906 -47 -47 -32 
			 199899 to 19992000 -1,890 -10 -9 +0.5 
			 19992000 to 200001 -4 +8 +8 +3 
		
	
	Note:
	Percentages are rounded.
	
		Table 3: Expenditure as a percentage of total FCO running costs
		
			 Year Advertising Design consultants Publishing Photographs 
		
		
			 199596 n/a 0.13 0.5 not known 
			 199697 n/a 0.09 0.35 not known 
			 199798 0.013 0.16 0.66 0.08 
			 199899 0.235 0.08 0.34 0.052 
			 19992000 0.015 0.09 0.35 0.062 
			 200001 0.012 0.08 0.33 0.055 
		
	
	Note:
	Percentages are rounded.
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office incurred no expenditure on 'polling' or 'focus groups' in the years concerned.
	Catering expenditure is not separately identifiable in the FCO accounting system: to ascertain the figures would involve disproportionate effort and cost. The figures for publications include expenditure on public diplomacy, consular publications and annual reports. In addition to the expenditure identified, there was minor additional expenditure in London and overseas in the years concerned. This cannot be ascertained without disproportionate effort and cost.
	The figures quoted for photographs were spent on still photographs used to promote Britain overseas; additional expenditure was incurred in the years concerned on photographs used in publications and exhibitions here in the UK. It would require disproportionate effort and cost to establish this expenditure.
	The Government are committed to using only whatever channel is judged to be the most cost-effective way to deliver the publicity necessary to support the implementation of policy. Paid advertising is only resorted to after careful consideration of the cost-benefits. The figures for advertising include expenditure on consular publicity but exclude expenditure on advertising for recruitment, as identifying this expenditure would entail disproportionate effort and cost. The advertising figure for 199899 includes 1 million spent on a consular advertising campaign in the run-up to the World Cup 1998 in France.

Fair Trade

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what is the value of fairly traded (a) tea and (b) coffee used in his Department in each of the last five years;
	(2)  what fairly traded products, other than tea and coffee, have been purchased by his Department in each of the last five years; and what was their value.

Denis MacShane: We do not keep records of purchases that fall into the fair trade category. Much of the tea and coffee consumed in the Department is purchased by individuals for their own consumption.

Renunciation Certificates (British Citizenship)

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on the service provided by the High Commission in Harare to those seeking certificates of renunciation of British citizenship.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 3 December 2001
	The British High Commission in Harare has received three representations on renunciationtwo from individuals, and one in the form of a petition signed by a number of individuals. It has also received thousands of inquiriesby telephone, fax, letter and personal callabout the procedure for renunciation.
	The British High Commission in Harare has widely publicised the procedures for renunciation, through the Zimbabwean press, its website, through the Consular Section and in briefings. The FCO has set up a procedure with the Home Office to enable dual nationals for the UK and Zimbabwe to speedily divest themselves of British citizenship in order to comply with the 6 January 2002 deadline set by the Zimbabwean Government in the recent amendments to Zimbabwean nationality law. This means that certificates of renunciation can now be issued within 10 working days.

ABM Treaty

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy on the ABM Treaty.

Ben Bradshaw: The future of the anti-ballistic missile treaty is first and foremost a matter for the US and Russia as parties to the treaty. We welcome the US and Russian commitment to ongoing discussions on strategic issues, including both offensive and defensive systems. We are encouraged by this, and their declared mutual intention to make real reductions in nuclear forces, confirmed by President Bush and President Putin at their recent meeting in the US.

Mr. Jeremy Parks

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to the Colombian Government asking them (a) to bring to justice those involved in the death of Mr. Jeremy Parks and (b) to establish the facts behind his death.

Ben Bradshaw: We are liaising closely with the judicial authorities in Colombia. The tragic death of Mr. Jeremy Parks is being investigated by the Technical Investigation Corps of the Fiscalia (The Prosecutor's Office), under the supervision of a magistrate. This is the normal procedure in cases of violent or unexpected death. The magistrate's report has not yet been finalised.

Terrorist Attacks (Israel)

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of how many Israelis have been killed by terrorist attacks in the nine months from 7 March; and how many were killed in such attacks in the nine months preceding that date.

Ben Bradshaw: Casualty figures can be unreliable. Deaths and injuries are sometimes included which are not necessarily the direct result of violence. Israeli Government figures show that approximately 65 Israelis were killed in the six months before 7 March, and 166 since that date.

Tracey Housel

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the State of Georgia, USA, regarding the proposed execution of Tracey Housel; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: We have taken and will take all the steps we properly can to ensure that Mr. Housel, a dual US/British national on death row in Georgia, USA, is not executed. The FCO is in close contact with Mr. Housel's legal team and the Georgia authorities are aware of our opposition to the death penalty.
	Mr. Housel's final appeal is due to be heard by the US Supreme Court early next year. International law prevents us intervening in the judicial procedures of another sovereign state. However, if the court rejects Mr. Housel's appeal, we will immediately urge the Georgian authorities to commute his sentence to a term of imprisonment.

Gibraltar

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has for Gibraltar to be (a) a constituency and (b) integrated into UK constituencies for the purposes of voting in the 2004 European parliamentary elections.

Peter Hain: We are committed to extending the European parliamentary franchise to Gibraltar in time for the 2004 European Parliament elections and we are seeking legislative time in order to introduce domestic legislation for this purpose. We have taken no decisions on the modalities.

Gibraltar

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what joint statements with the Spanish Government were made regarding the sovereignty of Gibraltar during the talks in Barcelona on 20 November.

Syd Rapson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria he will use to assess success in talks with Spain over the future status of Gibraltar.

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further aspects of self-Government for Gibraltar have been discussed during talks with (a) Spain and (b) the Government of Gibraltar since the start of the Brussels Process.

Peter Hain: I refer my hon. Friends to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Knowsley, South (Mr. O'Hara) on 20 November 2001, Official Report, column 187W. A copy of the joint press communiqu issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs when they met under the Brussels Process in Barcelona on 20 November has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Gibraltar

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the action he has taken in respect of the resolution on Gibraltar passed at the European Council in Gothenburg.

Peter Hain: The Gothenburg European Council conclusions state that
	The European Council recalled the importance of the Single Sky initiative and noted that contacts are under way between the relevant member states on the question of its territorial application. It hopes that these contacts will produce early agreement.
	The UK Government came to such an agreement with Spain enabling the Commission to bring forward its proposals on 12 October.
	I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Jones) on 1 November 2001, Official Report, column 811W.

Gibraltar

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions were held with the Government of Gibraltar about the future status of Gibraltar before the date for the talks under the Brussels process was agreed.

Peter Hain: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and I discussed the resumption of talks under the Brussels Process and issues concerning the future of Gibraltar with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar before the date for talks under the Brussels Process was agreed. In addition normal official contacts continued throughout this period.

Gibraltar

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the laws by which Gibraltar is a member of the European Union allow for its inhabitants to have access to health and education services in other European Union countries.

Peter Hain: Yes.

Gibraltar

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what conditions Spain is attaching to removing Gibraltar's suspension from the EU (a) Single Sky Agreement and (b) Regulation on Aviation Security.

Peter Hain: The terms of the clause which the Government have agreed with Spain should be inserted in the Single Sky and Aviation Security Regulations provided that the application of the measures to Gibraltar Airport will be suspended until the arrangements in the joint declaration made by the Foreign Ministers of Spain and the United Kingdom on 2 December 1987 have come into operation. Neither measure has yet been adopted by the Council and the European Parliament.

Gibraltar

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  whether the laws by which Gibraltar is a member of the European Union allow for the free movement of (a) goods and services and (b) people between Gibraltar and the rest of the European Union;
	(2)  what changes will be required in the laws of Gibraltar for it to achieve full rights of membership of the European Union.

Peter Hain: The EC Treaty applies to Gibraltar by virtue of Article 299(4) TEC. But certain provisions of the Treaty do not apply by virtue of the UK's Act of Accession.
	Article 28 of the Act of Accession excludes Gibraltar from the Common Agriculture and Fisheries policies and provisions on VAT. Gibraltar is also excluded from the Common Commercial policy and the Community Customs Territory and, in consequence, Community rules on customs and free movement of goods do not apply to Gibraltar.
	The Treaty would have to be amended in order to revoke the derogations specified above and apply the EU Treaties fully to Gibraltar. Legislative changes would also be needed to give effect to any new Treaty provisions in Gibraltar.

Gibraltar

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects Spain to allow direct flights to Gibraltar from airports outside the UK to overfly its airspace.

Peter Hain: We are not aware of any Spanish policy to refuse to allow civilian aircraft flying to Gibraltar from airports outside the UK to overfly Spanish airspace. As was made clear in the memorandum submitted to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 30 March 1999, in response to the Committee's Fourth Report, under Article 1 of the 1944 International Air Services Transit Agreement to which both Spain and the UK are party, aircraft of other contracting parties performing scheduled air services are granted the privilege of overflight. A right of overflight is accorded to aircraft performing non- scheduled (charter) services under Article 5 of the 1944 convention on International Civil Aviation to which both Spain and the UK are also party.

Gibraltar

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether legislation giving the people of Gibraltar the right to vote in the 2004 European parliamentary elections will require the (a) unanimous approval and (b) approval of the other member states of the European Union.

Syd Rapson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if European legislation will be required to ensure that the people of Gibraltar have the right to vote in the 2004 European elections in addition to domestic legislation.

Peter Hain: We are committed to extending the EP franchise to Gibraltar in time for the 2004 European Parliament elections. The Government have now decided to seek legislative time in order to introduce domestic legislation for this purpose. The content of this legislation is a matter for the UK alone: it does not require the approval of other member states. There will be no additional EU legislation. Consultations are already underway between the Government and the Government of Gibraltar on the practical arrangements.

Gibraltar

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when consultations will begin with the Government of Gibraltar to ensure that the people of Gibraltar have the right to vote in the 2004 European parliamentary elections.

Peter Hain: We have been in contact with the Government of Gibraltar and are seeking an early meeting to establish exactly what will be required, in terms of legislative and practical arrangements, to ensure that the European Parliamentary franchise is extended to Gibraltar in time for the 2004 elections.

Gibraltar

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what jurisdiction the International Court of Justice has over the status of Gibraltar.

Peter Hain: Any dispute between the United Kingdom and Spain with regard to the status of Gibraltar can only be referred to the International Court of Justice with the agreement of both sides. Spain does not accept the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice with regard to Gibraltar.

Gibraltar

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to amend the Brussels Process to allow the Government of Gibraltar a veto over changes in the status of Gibraltar.

Peter Hain: I refer the hon. Member to my statement in Westminster Hall on 7 November 2001, Official Report, columns 8892WH. The Government will stand by the constitutional commitment to Gibraltar set out in the preamble to the Order in Council that established the 1969 Constitution. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State reiterated this in response to a question from the hon. Member for South Staffordshire (Sir P. Cormack) on 27 November 2001, Official Report, columns 82223.

Gibraltar

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if a date for further talks with Spain under the Brussels Process has been arranged; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for West Suffolk (Mr. Spring) on 5 December 2001, Official Report, column 312W.

Gibraltar

David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last requested the Spanish Government to produce evidence of smuggling between Gibraltar and Spain; and what was the outcome of that request.

Peter Hain: We have repeatedly asked the Spanish Government to make available to us any current evidence that they have of cross-border smuggling. HMG with the Government of Gibraltar will investigate any such evidence.

Gibraltar

David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes in the status of Gibraltar within the European Union are being considered

Peter Hain: Our objective is to build a secure, stable and prosperous future for Gibraltar, with greater self-government for the territory and better relations with Spain. If change in the status of Gibraltar within the EU could help advance these objectives, we are prepared to consider this.

Spain

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last spoke to his counterpart in Spain; and what was the subject of discussion.

Peter Hain: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's last formal meeting with his Spanish counterpart was on 20 November 2001, as part of the Brussels Process talks on Gibraltar. However, they also meet regularly in the margins of other EU and international meetings, such as the 67 December North Atlantic Council, to discuss a range of foreign policy issues.

Correspondence

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many, and what proportion of letters received by the Department from right hon. and hon. Members between 20 June and 20 July were replied to in (a) under 15, (b) under 20, (c) under 30, (d) under 40 and (e) over 40 working days.

Jack Straw: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 3 December 2001, Official Report, column 88W.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Departmental Staff Costs

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will estimate total annual staff costs for her Department and its agencies by nation and region of the UK; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: The estimated staff costs for the Department for Education and Skills by region of the UK are as set out. The figures reflect the machinery of government changes that took place following the June 2001 general election, including the transfer to the Cabinet Office of responsibility for the Government Offices for the Regions. The Department does not have staff outside England.
	
		
			 Region  million 
		
		
			 North East 11 
			 North West 10 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 29 
			 London 58

Citizenship Lessons

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers were qualified to teach citizenship lessons in secondary schools in September.

Stephen Timms: This information has not been collected centrally. Citizenship does not become part of the secondary schools curriculum until September 2002.

Teacher Statistics

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers of non-EU nationality are employed in British schools.

Stephen Timms: This information is not collected centrally.

Teacher Recruitment (East Sussex)

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers have been recruited from overseas to fill teaching posts in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in East Sussex in the past year.

Stephen Timms: The information requested is not held centrally.

Public Service Agreements

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on (a) the margin of failure and (b) the reason for failure to meet the public service agreement target of a 2 per cent. reduction in unit price per work-based trainee in 19992000 over 199899.

John Healey: The unit price per work-based trainee in 19992000 was 2,933 compared with 2,734 in 199899. This represents a real terms increase of 4.7 per cent.
	Departmental plans for 19992000 were on the basis of a 2 per cent. overall efficiency gain. The consequential unit price was passed out for local negotiations to establish the actual local unit prices, within training and enterprise councils' agreed flexibilities. The range of young people being helped and the mix of occupational training delivered however also influenced the overall unit price. In 19992000, the average numbers on higher value and quality modern apprenticeships were 10 per cent. higher than in 199899 and numbers on higher value and quality national traineeships (now foundation modern apprenticeships) increased threefold. The result of negotiations and the factors for 19992000 was that training and enterprise councils delivered a more expensive menu of training than in the previous year and the overall unit price reflects this.

Student Finances

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much her Department has spent per student on (a) loans, (b) grants and (c) other maintenance support in each year since 1990.

Margaret Hodge: The table shows how much the Department has spent per student on average on higher education student loans, grants and other maintenance support in each academic year 199091 to 19992000 (latest data available).
	
		Average expenditure per student on student loans in the United Kingdom; average expenditure per student on fees and maintenance in England and Wales(24),(25): Academic years 199091 to 19992000
		
			 Academic year 199091 199192 199293 199394 199495 199596 199697 199798 199899 19992000 
		
		
			 Student loans(25)   
			 Total value of loans ( million) 69.9 139.2 226.5 316.7 538.8 700.8 877.2 941.0 1,233.5 1,823.0 
			 Average loan per student(26) 390 530 660 740 1,040 1,250 1,490 1,530 1,870 2,520 
			
			 Student Fees(27)   
			 Total fee expenditure ( million) 843.8 1,281.3 1,536.6 1,549.2 970.5 984.3 977.5 986.9 678.8 555.5 
			 Average fee per student ()(26) 1,700 2,250 2,310 2,100 1,250 1,250 1,250 1,260 870 700 
			
			 Student maintenance grants(24),(28)   
			 Total maintenance expenditure ( million) 713.4 859.7 1,045.8 1,202.0 1,158.6 1,074.8 948.2 931.6 782.8 347.5 
			 Average maintenance grant per student(26) 1,480 1,550 1,610 1,670 1,520 1,390 1,240 1,210 1,030 1,150 
			
			 Additional allowances/grants/loans(29),(30),(31)   
			 Total expenditure on additional allowances/ grants/loans 79.2 104.2 137.4 173.6 196.5 190.7 179.3 171.2 164.9 164.1 
			 Average additional allowance/grant/loan(26) 330 360 400 420 460 450 440 450 470 420 
		
	
	(24) Totals include both students funded under the mandatory scheme and those funded under the new student support scheme. New student support arrangements were introduced from academic year 199899. New students in 199899 received support for maintenance through income-assessed grants (comprising about a quarter of the support available) and non income-assessed student loans (comprising about three quarters of the support available). (The ratio for existing students is roughly 50 per cent. income-assessed grant and 50 per cent. non income-assessed student loan). In 19992000, students who entered higher education from 199899 onwards received support for maintenance entirely through loans, of which three quarters of the value was non income-assessed. Loans made under these arrangements are repayable on an income contingent basis.
	(25) Student loans are available to eligible students normally domiciled in the United Kingdom. From 19992000 student loans have been made available to those aged 50 to 54 who plan to return to work after studying. A time series of data for England and Wales domiciled students is not available.
	(26) Average loan, fees, maintenance grant and additional allowance/grant/loan rounded to the nearest 10.
	(27) Most new students in 199899 and 19992000 were expected to contribute up to 1,000 and 1,025 respectively to their fees depending on family income.
	(28) Maintenance shown in 19992000 relates to mandatory awards scheme students only.
	(29) Up to academic year 19992000 data on additional allowances/grants/loans are included in the maintenance grants information, totalling will therefore include some double counting. 19992000 data relating to mandatory awards scheme students will also be included in maintenance grants, however those relating to students funded under the support scheme will not, as these students received support for maintenance entirely through loans.
	(30) Students may receive more than one additional allowance/grant/loan. The average figures shown will include an element of double counting of student numbers. The profiles of additional allowances/grants/loans have not remained constant over the time period and this accounts for some of the variation in the average values shown.
	(31) For student support scheme students, grants for living costs are no longer available except for some limited allowances, eg for students with dependants; single parent students; and disabled students. Grants for students with dependants and single parents students will be income-assessed but the disabled students allowance will not.
	Source:
	The Student Loans Company; F503G survey of local education authorities.

Student Loans

Huw Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what method of auditing applies to the administration of student loans.

Margaret Hodge: Student loans are paid and administered by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The SLC is a Non-Departmental Public Body. It is also a private limited company, and so subject to external audit. The SLC's external auditors are KPMG. The SLC publishes audited accounts each year in its Annual Report. In addition, as an NDPB, the SLC is required to have an internal audit function which meets the Government Internal Audit Standard (GIAS). The SLC has an audit committee which is chaired by one of its non-executive directors.
	Copies of the SLC's Annual Report and Accounts are placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament and are sent to Companies House.

Staff Turnover

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) head teachers and (b) university lecturers have left the profession in each of the past five years.

Margaret Hodge: The available data are given in the following tables.
	
		Head teachers leaving(32) the maintained school sector in England
		
			 Heads leaving in year prior to March:  Number 
		
		
			 1995 1,940 
			 1996 1,900 
			 1997 2,300 
			 1998 2,420 
			 1999(33) 1,490 
		
	
	(32) The figures exclude head teachers who remain in the maintained sector but who step down to a lower grade.
	(33) The effect of the change in the Teachers' Pension Scheme as from 31 August 1997 was that many more teachers (including heads) took early retirement in 1997 than in previous years. In the year prior to March 1999, there was a decrease in the number of heads retiring, and an increase in the number remaining in the sector but stepping down to a lower grade.
	
		Full-time, wholly institutionally financed academic staff (34) leaving UK higher education institutions(35)
		
			 Academic year Leavers 
		
		
			 199596 3,800 
			 199697 4,770 
			 199798 3,930 
			 199899 3,910 
			 19992000 3,670 
		
	
	(34) Includes staff whose primary employment function is teaching or teaching/research. Staff whose primary function is research are not included.
	(35) Staff who moved to other HE institutions, either in the UK or overseas, have not been classed as leavers and are therefore excluded from the table.

Staff Turnover

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the annual staff turnover has been in Further Education colleges in the last five academic years.

John Healey: The Department does not collect information about the annual rates of staff turnover in the further education sector.
	A survey carried out in 2001 on behalf of the Association of Colleges and further education unions, and partly funded by the Department, found that, in 19992000, the rate of staff turnover was 10 per cent. for lecturers and managers and 14 per cent. for support staff. We are not aware any comparative figures for earlier years.

University Resources

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what information she has collected on growth in research income for universities in (a) the sciences and (b) the arts over the last five years; and if she will publish the figures for such growth, broken down by department.

Margaret Hodge: The information requested is laid out in the following table. These figures represent total research income from HEFCE and external sources over five years.
	
		Time series of total research income(36) -- Data are for England only
		
			  199596 199697 199798 199899 19992000 Change in income(37) 
			 Subject group ( million) ( million) ( million) ( million) ( million) (Percentage) 
		
		
			 Clinical medicine 463.2 501.0 521.8 562.7 603.6 30.3 
			 Engineering 287.7 298.1 313.8 335.2 338.3 17.6 
			 Sciences 670.1 684.2 737.7 803.9 854.3 27.5 
			 Subjects allied to medicine 130.4 130.6 148.1 165.0 181.2 39.0 
			  
			 Total sciences 1,551.4 1,613.9 1,721.3 1,866.7 1,977.3 27.5 
			
			 Arts 16.9 20.5 26.8 32.3 38.6 128.9 
			 Education 50.1 50.6 49.0 60.2 62.3 24.4 
			 Humanities 103.2 102.9 107.0 115.3 118.5 14.9 
			 Social sciences 206.2 212.1 224.8 245.9 262.7 27.4 
			  
			 Total arts 376.4 386.1 407.6 453.7 482.2 28.1 
			
			 Total 1,927.7 2,000.1 2,129.0 2,320.4 2,459.5 27.6 
		
	
	(36) External grants and HEFCE funding
	(37) 199596 to 19992000
	Source:
	HESA Finance Statistics Returns and planned HEFCE research funding allocations as announced in recurrent grant circulars or as subsequently amended.

Tuition Fees

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total annual public funding is for academic institutions which charge student tuition fees.

Margaret Hodge: The planned annual public funding for Further and Higher Education in England in 200102 is 4,029 million and 5,826 1 million respectively. However the Further Education figure is included within the overall budget for the LSC and it will be for the LSC to decide how to allocate their budget.
	1 Publicly planned funding comprises institutional funding paid via the Higher Education Funding Council for England and tuition fees but excludes public funding from Research Councils, other Government Departments and the National Health Service.

Portable Buildings

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the cost of implementing Statutory Instrument 2718 and the guidance notice relating to portable buildings.

John Healey: holding answer 30 November 2001
	Statutory Instrument 2718 is The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2001. This order amends the planning guidelines relating to telecommunications masts, and has no relevance to portable buildings. There has thus been no assessment of the cost of implementing this Statutory Instrument.
	However, the hon. Member did raise the issue of portable buildings in the debate in the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation on Wednesday 21 November 2001 which considered the Prayer against both Statutory Instrument 2718 and Statutory Instrument 3335, The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2001. The Approved Document to Part L2 of the Building Regulations, which Statutory Instrument 3335 amended, gives guidance on how portable buildings may meet the requirements of Part L2 of the Regulations under the heading Buildings constructed from sub-assemblies.
	There is nothing in the guidance in the Approved Document that indicates that portable buildings will have to be disposed of after five years. It indicates that there are no restrictions at all on portable buildings that are moved from one place to another on the same site. With regard to buildings moved from one site to another the guidance is that a building constructed from external fabric sub-assemblies obtained from other premises or from a stock manufactured before 31 December 2001, would normally be considered to meet the requirement if the fabric thermal resistance or the prospective annual energy use will be no worse than the relevant performance standards given in the 1995 edition of Approved Document L.

Further Education Colleges

David Chidgey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what core funding was awarded each year to further education colleges in England from 199596, adjusted for inflation;
	(2)  what funding was allocated to further education colleges in England from 199596, adjusted for inflation.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 4 December 2001
	Funding allocated to further education colleges in England from 199596 adjusted for inflation is as follows.
	
		Further education funding (200102 prices) --  million
		
			  199596 Outturn 199697 Outturn 199798 Outturn 199899 Outturn 19992000 Outturn 200001 Original plans 200102 Planned 
		
		
			 Total FE funding cash 3,000.5 3,130.7 3,131.4 3,101.6 3299.8 3,502.1 4,028.5 
			 of which:
			 FE core participation funding 3,000.5 3,130.7 3,131.4 3,101.6 3216.4 3,323.1 3,609.5 
			 additional capital grant 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 40.0 70.0 140.0 
			 FE Standards Fund 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 34.9 80.0 165.0 
			 FE Teachers' Pay Initiative 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 65.0 
			 Other additional grants 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8.5 29.1 49.0 
			 
			 Total FE funding 200102 prices 3,506.5 3,546.7 3,441.3 3,316.0 3,443.7 3,589.7 4,028.5 
			 of which:
			 FE core participation funding 3,506.5 3,546.7 3,441.3 3,316.0 3,356.7 3,406.2 3,609.5 
			 additional capital grant 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 41.7 71.8 140.0 
			 FE Standards Fund 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 36.4 82.0 165.0 
			 FE Teachers' Pay Initiative 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 65.0 
			 Other additional grants 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8.9 29.8 49.0 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. FEFC/LSC administration funding and FE student support funding excluded from all figures.
	2. Additional employer contributions excluded (35 million in 19992000 and 60 million in each 200001 and 200102.
	3. Figures up to 200001 based on cash resources made available to the FEFC by the Department.
	4. Figure for 200102 based on planned FE funding included in the Learning and Skills Council resources. Final decision on levels of funding are for the LSC to take.

Further Education Colleges

David Chidgey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent assessment he has made of the impact of house prices on the recruitment and retention of further education college staff in the south-east of England.

John Healey: holding answer 4 December 2001
	Turnover of staff in the further education (FE) sector in the south-east of England averages 11 per cent. for lecturers and 17 per cent. for support staff. Recruitment and retention difficulties arise from competition from other institutions and the wider economy.
	We recognise that staff in the further education sector need to be able to find affordable homes within a reasonable distance from their work place. The average house price in the south-east of England is 161,748 compared with 124,379 for England as a whole. By 200304 capital investment in housing will have risen to more than 4 billion compared with planned spending of 1.5 billion in 199798. The Government plan to provide 100,000 new or improved homes for low cost renting or ownership over the next three years and to review the planning guidance to local authorities in order to help them to negotiate more affordable housing. Eligibility for loans or cash grants will be dependent on local arrangements.
	We have also introduced a number of initiatives aimed at tackling recruitment and retention difficulties in the FE sector: the Teaching Pay Initiative, more than 300 million over the next three years, to reward high calibre teaching staff and create a proper career structure for teaching in the FE sector; and additionally, pilot initiatives such as Golden Hellos, student loan write-offs and training bursaries will all attract new staff to the profession.

Curriculum and Staffing Survey

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  if a timetable has been established for the next curriculum and staffing survey;
	(2)  when she will answer the question tabled by the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough on 18 October, Ref 73.

Stephen Timms: A timetable has not been established for the next curriculum and staffing survey.

Education Action Zones

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what is the total spent by her Department on central (a) advertising and marketing and (b) administration of education action zones; and what each of these amounts are as a proportion of total departmental expenditure on education action zones.

Stephen Timms: The Department has spent currently this year 130,000 on publicity for Education Action Zones, which is 0.15 per cent. of the total annual departmental expenditure on Education Action Zones.
	The total central administration cost of all Statutory Education Action Zones and Excellence in Cities Action Zones is 577,000. This is the annual running cost budget, which is 0.7 per cent. of the total annual departmental expenditure on education action zones.

Health and Safety

Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much her Department has spent on health and safety in the workplace in each year since 1997.

Ivan Lewis: Separate records are not kept for total annual spend on health and safety in my Department. Most expenditure on statutory and beneficial health and safety issues is subsumed within on-going works programmes covering a wide range of building maintenance and improvement projects.

External Consultants

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the cost was to her Department of the use of external consultants in each of the last four years.

Ivan Lewis: This information could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

Sacred Heart High School, Newcastle

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether she proposes to approve the conventionally financed capital allocation for the Sacred Heart High School, Newcastle.

John Healey: holding answer 5 December 2001
	The application put forward by Newcastle local education authority on behalf of Sacred Heart High School, is being considered, together with all other applications submitted on behalf of VA schools, against the criteria published as part of the guidance for the 200203 Schools Capital Allocation Round.
	My noble Friend the Minister for Education in the Lords, who has responsibility for capital funding issues at voluntary aided schools, plans to announce successful projects later this month.
	It is not appropriate, therefore, to comment on the likely outcome of an application in advance of the announcement.

Specialist Colleges

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list specialist colleges in the secondary school sector by subject area.

Stephen Timms: A list of the 685 specialist colleges currently operational, grouped by specialism within each LEA, has been placed in the Library.

Schools (Romford)

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools in Romford are not opening for a full five-day week on a regular basis.

Stephen Timms: My Department is not aware of any schools in Romford that are operating on less than a full five-day week.

Education and Youth Council

Jim Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the outcome was of the Education and Youth Council held in Brussels on 29 November; what the Government's position was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: I represented the UK at the morning (Education) session of this Council meeting; my right hon. Friend the Minister for Police, Courts and Drugs (Minister for Children and Young People) and Jane Davidson AM (Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning in Wales) represented the UK at the afternoon (Youth) session.
	Education
	The Council discussed the follow-up to the report on Concrete Future Objectives of Education and Training Systems (presented to the Stockholm European Council in March 2001) and adopted Conclusions setting out a number of principles concerning follow-up as well as a proposal timetable for taking work forward. The UK supported these principles, stressing the need for a coherent approach to work in this and other fields such as lifelong learning.
	The Council also discussed co-operation with third countries in the field of higher education, in the context of a Communication from the Commission on that subject.
	Ministers adopted without debate a
	Resolution on the promotion of linguistic diversity and language learning in the framework of the implementation of the objectives of the European Year of Languages 2001; and an
	Opinion concerning education and training issues in the proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for member states' employment policies for 2002.
	The Council received information from the Commission on its Communication Making a European Area of Lifelong Learning a Reality; and on the proposal for a
	Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing the European Year of Education through Sport 2004. Youth
	The Council discussed the recently adopted Commission White Paper A New Impetus for European Youth. Given the very short time scale since its publication on 21 November 2001, Ministers offered only an initial view of its content. The UK supported the generally positive response to the proposals in the White Paper and endorsed the suggested open method of co-operation as being an appropriate way of taking the policy forward.
	Ministers adopted without debate a
	Resolution on the added value of voluntary activity for young people in the context of the development of Community action on youth.
	The Council received information from the Commission on the Evaluation Report of Youth for Europe and European Voluntary Service Community programmes for the period 1995 to 1999, and from the German delegation on the European Conference Youth for Tolerance and Democracy held in Berlin from 21 to 23 October 2001.
	A copy of the Council minutes will be placed in the Library in due course.

Pre-Schools (Funding)

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on what basis the period of funding of places at privately run pre-schools is set at 33 weeks.

Margaret Hodge: The 33 week entitlement is a minimum requirement and was decided following advice from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).

Private Education

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children between the ages of 5 and 18 years who are domiciled outside the United Kingdom were educated within the private sector for each of the years 199798 to 200001.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 6 December 2001
	Information on pupils who are domiciled outside the United Kingdom and educated within the private sector is not available centrally.

Learning Mentors

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what role learning mentors play in supporting gifted and talented students.

Stephen Timms: Learning Mentors can help gifted and talented students to overcome barriers to learning, such as bullying, truancy or disaffection. We encourage partnerships to ensure that the different strands of Excellence in Cities are mutually supportive.

14 to 19 Education

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will undertake to publish her Department's consultation paper on 14 to 19 education before relevant clauses of the Education Bill have been considered in Committee.

Stephen Timms: We set out our outline plans for the development of a more coherent and flexible 1419 phase of learning in our Green Paper, SchoolsBuilding on Success and White Paper, SchoolsAchieving Success. The consultation document on 1619 organisation and inspection provided further details.
	During any Parliamentary debate on these clauses we will ensure that the Committee receives as much relevant information as possible on how the clauses relate to the wider policies on 1419 learning.

Correspondence

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many, and what proportion of letters received by the Department from right hon. and hon. Members between 20 June and 20 July were replied to in (a) under 15, (b) under 20, (c) under 30, (d) under 40 and (e) over 40 working days.

Ivan Lewis: Between 20 June and 20 July 2001, the Department for Education and Skills replied to a total of 903 items of Ministerial correspondence. The Department replied:
	
		
			  Number of replies sent Percentage of replies sent 
		
		
			 (a) in 15 working days and under 640 71 
			 (b) in 1620 working days 133 15 
			 (c) in 2130 working days 104 11 
			 (d) in 31 working days and over 26 3 
			 Total 903

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by her Department were the subject of a holding answer in the last three sessions of Parliament.

Ivan Lewis: The percentages of parliamentary questions tabled to the Department for Education and Employment during the last three Parliamentary Sessions for which a holding answer was provided are as follows:
	
		
			 Year Percentage 
		
		
			 199899 26 
			 19992000 48 
			 200001 62

Learning and Skills Council

Linda Gilroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the resources available to the Learning and Skills Council.

Margaret Hodge: Today, the Secretary of State issued the annual grant letter to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). In 200203, the Council will have available a resource budget of 7,310,890,000 to deliver the challenging objectives set out in the remit letter of November 2000 and the targets in the Council's corporate plan.
	The Council has taken over many of the functions previously carried out by the Further Education Funding Council and TECs, as well as various activities carried out by the Department for Education and Employment and Government Offices. Our most recent estimate is that these organisations spent in total between 270 and 280 million on administering the functions which are now the responsibility of the LSC.
	The Council takes on significant new responsibilities in 200203, including the funding of school sixth forms, further action to raise basic skills, and decisions at local level about the allocation of funds for young people's and adult learning provision. In total the new budget represents a 33 per cent. increase in funds compared with 200102, and even without school sixth forms represents a 6 per cent. real terms increase compared with the previous year.
	In the light of these responsibilities, and the different VAT regime to which the LSC is subject compared with TECs, the Secretary of State has agreed to a 25 million increase in the administration budget of the LSC for 200102 and 200203, to 213 million and 218 million respectively.
	This delivers the commitment given to Parliament during the passage of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 that there would be administrative savings of at least 50 million compared with previous arrangements.

Scottish Expenditure

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  if she will list, in real terms, for each year since 1979 (a) the total sums of money spent directly by her Department in Scotland and (b) the total sums of money allocated by her Department for spending in Scotland through (i) the Scottish Office, (ii) the Scotland Office and (iii) the Scottish Executive;
	(2)  when she will reply to the question from the hon. Member for Beckenham (ref. 16181) of 14 November.

Estelle Morris: Expenditure in Scotland on programmes now administered by the Department for Education and Skills was estimated at some 2 million (real terms) in each of the years 199697 to 200001, most of which was for career development loans. No information for the years prior to 199697 is available.
	Most education and skills expenditure in Scotland is not the responsibility of DfES: it is devolved to the Scottish Executive. Prior to devolution this expenditure was the responsibility of the Scottish Office.

New Deal

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of the young people in Wiltshire who found employment through the new deal have found sustained unsubsidised work.

Nick Brown: I have been asked to reply.
	Up to the end of September 2001, the new deal had helped 1,888 young people move into work in the Wiltshire Employment Service district. 72 per cent. of the jobs secured were sustained and unsubsidised.
	Source
	New Deal Evaluation Database

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Daily Mail (Stephen Byers)

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the action initiated by her predecessor against the Daily Mail in respect of comments made in that newspaper on 19 March; for what reason the action initiated was not pursued to the courts; what assessment was made of the likelihood of a successful outcome to the action before it was embarked upon; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: On 2 April 2001 my predecessor, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tyneside, North (Mr. Byers), replied to a question from the hon. Member for Lewes as follows:
	I have engaged the solicitors Goodman Derrick to act on my behalf in response to the Daily Mail allegations made on 19 March. These allegations related entirely to my conduct as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. In line with Treasury advice published in response to a Public Accounts Committee Report in 1993 which states it is appropriate to use public resources to deal with matters arising in the course of, or as a direct result of, the official duties of Ministers and civil servants, the reasonable costs of my present action will be funded publicly. (20 April 2001, Official Report, column 7W).
	My right hon. Friend the Member for Tyneside, North subsequently lodged a complaint with the Press Complaints Council on 26 April. The outcome was that the Daily Mail published a clarification on 5 October in which the newspaper accepted that the account given by my right hon. Friend of his involvement in the inquiry into companies associated with Geoffrey Robinson represented the true position.
	I have no plans to make a statement.

Daily Mail (Stephen Byers)

David Heathcoat-Amory: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the cost met from public funds of the legal action taken by the previous Secretary of State, the right hon. Member for Tyneside, North (Mr. Byers) against Associated Newspapers.

Patricia Hewitt: I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Wirral, South (Mr. Chapman) on 19 November 2001, Official Report, column 6W.

Portland Cement

Charlotte Atkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of Portland cement sold in the United Kingdom was (a) domestically produced and (b) imported in each of the last five years.

Brian Wilson: The information requested is as follows:
	
		Sources of grey Portland cement sales in the United Kingdom -- Percentage
		
			  Produced domestically Imported 
		
		
			 1996 91.2 8.8 
			 1997 92.2 7.8 
			 1998 90.4 9.6 
			 1999 91.1 8.9 
			 2000 89.4 10.6

Portland Cement

Charlotte Atkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the Portland cement consumption per capita was for the United Kingdom in the last 12 months.

Brian Wilson: During 2000 for the United Kingdom, the per capita consumption of grey Portland cement was 222 kg.

Nuclear Waste Transportation

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it is her intention that the effect of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Bill will make publication of routes along which (a) nuclear waste and (b) spent nuclear fuel is transported illegal.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 4 December 2001
	In relation to nuclear material which is being transported, an offence would be committed under clause 80 of the Bill, only if an intentional or reckless disclosure of information is made that could prejudice the security of nuclear material being transported to or from a nuclear site in the UK used for a purpose mentioned in section 1(1) of the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 or being carried on board a UK ship. Whether an offence has been committed will depend on the facts of the case. The courts would have to assess whether the disclosure was capable of prejudicing security and whether the requirements of intention or recklessness have been met.

MOX Plant, Sellafield

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what account she took of a potential terrorist threat before giving authorisation to the MOX fuel plant at Sellafield.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 3 December 2001
	The decision on the justification for the manufacture of MOX fuel was announced on 3 October by my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Health and for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In reaching their decision Ministers took full account of all relevant information including advice from the UK's civil nuclear security regulator, the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS).

Energy Review

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has received from BP in relation to her Department's energy review; what has been the nature of such representations; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: It is the Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) of the Cabinet Office, not the Department of Trade and Industry, that is carrying out the energy review. The PIU is due to report to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister by the end of the year and as such it would be inappropriate for me to make a statement at this time. BP has made two submissions to the energy review, both of which are on the PIU website.

Departmental Expenditure

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of the increase in the departmental expenditure limit from 200102 to 200203 will be accounted for by wage costs.

Patricia Hewitt: Decisions on the funding of wage costs for 200203 will be taken as part of my Department's internal resource allocation process early in the new year. It is therefore not possible to say how much of any increase in the departmental expenditure limit will be accounted for by wage costs.
	However, figures on my Department's spending plans for 200102 and 200203 were set out in the 2001 Expenditure Plans Report (Cm 5112), a copy of which is in the Library of the House. Over the 200102 to 200203 period, pay costs for the Department (including gross and net controlled agencies and ACAS but excluding trading funds) were planned to increase from 256 million to 271 million, as shown in table B9.

EU Procurement Directive

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the estimated cost to public funds of the proposed EU directive on procurement.

Patricia Hewitt: The proposals to amend the EC procurement directives are still under discussion. The emerging proposals are unlikely to have any net costs for public funds. As they stand the proposals for amending the rules provide the flexibility needed for the award of effective contracts, in particular the dialogue that is necessary when involving the private sector in the delivery of public services.

New Deal

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people were employed by her Department under the new deal for over-25s; and at what cost to public funds in 200102.

Patricia Hewitt: My Department has employed 13 members of staff under the new deal for the over-25s during the current financial year. None was based within my executive agencies. New deal recruits take up existing vacancies so extra costs are limited to the subsidy, where appropriate, and any additional training and development which may be needed. The cost of the latter cannot readily be identified.

New Deal

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people are employed by the Department under the new deal for young people; and at what cost to public funds.

Patricia Hewitt: My Department currently employs six members of staff under the new deal for young people, with a further 12 being employed within my executive agencies. New deal recruits take up existing vacancies so extra costs are limited to the subsidy, where appropriate, and any additional training and development which may be needed. The cost of the latter cannot readily be identified.

External Consultants

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the cost was to her Department of the use of external consultants in each of the last four years.

Patricia Hewitt: This information is not readily available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Sickness

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many days were lost owing to sickness absence in the Department in each of the last four years.

Patricia Hewitt: Average number of staff days lost per staff year through sick absence in the DTI group:
	1996: 8.8
	1997: 8.2
	1998: 8.0
	1999: 7.8.
	The DTI Group, in addition to DTI HQ, consists of: ACAS, Companies House, Patent Office, Insolvency Service, National Weights and Measures Laboratory, Employment Tribunals Service, and The Radiocommunications Agency.
	The figures are taken from the annual reports on public sector sick absence commissioned by the Cabinet Office each year. Various adjustments are made to the figures to take account of factors such as flu epidemics that may occur in any given year.
	The figure for the year 2000 is not yet available.

Sub-Post Offices

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) of 27 November 2001, Official Report, columns 85960W, on the rural White Paper, what the criteria are for financial support for projects to refurbish and improve rural sub-post offices; and if this support is a one-off payment.

Douglas Alexander: holding answer 3 December 2001
	The 2 million sub-post office start-up capital subsidy fund is intended to support initiatives by volunteer or community groups to maintain or reopen post office facilities in areas where the traditional post office is closing or has recently closed. The scheme provides a framework for payments of top-up grants towards the initial capital cost of setting up a sub-post office as many proposals to save rural sub-post offices fail because of lack of a small amount of start-up capital. Eligible costs are widely drawn to cover all categories of one-off costs necessary to secure the future of the sub-post office. The scheme is flexible, recognising that every case for funding will be different and will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
	This scheme is one part of a package of measures designed to secure the future of the post office network. Funding arrangements for the rural network beyond 2003 are being developed in the context of advice recently received from the Postal Services Commission on the best way to channel financial assistance to rural post offices from 2003. The 2 million fund targets a specific problem that exists now but will cease to exist when those longer-term funding arrangements are in place from 2003.

Sub-Post Offices

Jonathan Djanogly: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the measures taken by Consignia to prevent sub-post office closures in the Huntingdon constituency; and if she will make a statement.

Douglas Alexander: holding answer 26 November 2001
	The formal requirement placed on Consignia last November to maintain the rural network and to prevent avoidable closures remains in place and will apply in the first instance until 2006. Post Office Ltd. has set up a team of rural transfer advisers to explore all options for keeping rural sub-post offices open and is administering the 2 million Government fund to assist volunteer and community initiatives to maintain or re-establish post office services in rural communities. Through such measures, Post Office Ltd. is continuing its efforts to reopen sub-post offices where there have been recent closures in the Huntingdon constituency.

Sub-Post Offices

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the measures taken by Consignia to prevent sub-post office closures in the constituency of Galloway and Upper Nithsdale; and if she will make a statement.

Douglas Alexander: holding answer 26 November 2001
	The formal requirement placed on Consignia last November to maintain the rural network and to prevent avoidable closures remains in place and will apply in the first instance until 2006. Post Office Ltd. has set up a team of rural transfer advisers to explore all options for keeping rural sub-post offices open and is administering the 2 million Government fund to assist volunteer and community initiatives to maintain or re-establish post office services in rural communities. Through such measures, Post Office Ltd. is continuing its efforts to reopen sub-post offices where there have been recent closures in the Galloway and Upper Nithsdale constituency.

European Structural Funds

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to obtain structural funds assistance for UK domestic routes.

Alan Johnson: holding answer 6 December 2001
	I have no such plans since the structural funds programming documents for the current period 200006 have all been agreed, and there is no specific provision in them for assistance for UK domestic routes.

European Structural Funds

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what level of structural funds are available from the European Union for subsidising domestic UK flights.

Alan Johnson: holding answer 6 December 2001
	None of the structural funds programming documents for the period 200006 includes specific support for subsidising domestic UK flights.

European Structural Funds

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the experience of France, Spain and Greece in gaining European structural funds for their domestic flights.

Alan Johnson: holding answer 6 December 2001
	No such assessment has been made, nor is one envisaged.

European Structural Funds

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria have to be met by an air route in order to receive European structural funds.

Alan Johnson: holding answer 6 December 2001
	Whatever its sector of activity, for a project application to be successful in gaining European structural funding, the programming document for the region concerned has to include the ability to fund such a project. The project would have to be wholly contained within the region, and score highly against the selection criteria which have been agreed for each of the sectors within the programming document.

Internal Market, Consumer and Tourism Council

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Internal Market, Consumer and Tourism Council held in Brussels on 26 November; what the Government's stance was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: The Commission presented two reports concerning tourism, highlighting a need for a more systematic and co-ordinated approach among tourism stakeholders through a package of 10 activities. The Commission acknowledged the long-term impacts of September 11 on tourism.
	The Council reached political agreement on the Seventh amendment to the Cosmetics Directive which will introduce a EU-wide ban on animal testing of cosmetic products. This means that cosmetic products cannot be sold in the EU if the finished product, or any of its ingredients or combinations of ingredients, have been tested on animals, once an alternative to that test has been accepted and published by the OECD
	The Council reached political agreement to amend Directive 76/769/EEC on dangerous substances, which would introduce a ban on certain carcinogenic azodyes. There was also a common approach agreed on the ban of carcinogens, mutagens or substances toxic to reproduction (CMRs)22 substances would now be banned under this directive. A progress report on phthalates was also discussed
	The Presidency gave an oral progress report on the proposal for the establishment of the European Food Authority. The Commission said that it would report in about a year's time on the implementation of the Data Protection Directive.
	The Council adopted a draft Resolution on consumer over-indebtedness, and the Presidency gave a short report on the October Brussels conference on consumer involvement in the Single Market.
	The Council discussed the principles of the Community patent focusing in particular on the role of National Patent Offices and the language regime.
	The Council agreed draft conclusions on the Commission's proposals to make a negotiated agreement (rather than introduce legislation) with car manufacturers to make cars less dangerous for pedestrians.
	Commissioner Byrne gave an account of the green paper on Consumer Protection. He spoke on the opportunities of the internal market, the Euro and e-commerce being dependent on consumer confidence and said that enforcement at EU level was particularly important. The green paper would be open to a formal hearing and in-depth consultation.
	The Council discussed simplification of the regulatory environment focusing on the Commission's Action Plan and the report by the intergovernmental Mandelkern Group. Member states welcomed the Mandelkern report and the Presidency concluded there would be further discussion of this at Laeken.
	The two proposed directives on public procurement (which aim to simplify, clarify and modernise public procurement) were subject to a progress report, and the Commission called on the Council to aim for a common position as soon as possible.
	The Council reached political agreement on the insurance intermediaries directive. This aims to create a passport for insurance intermediaries to operate throughout the EU and to set minimum professional standards and information requirements to ensure consumer protection. Political agreement was also reached on the proposed regulation concerning cross border payments in eurowhich proposes that the price of retail cross-border payments in euro should be the same as the price of equivalent domestic payments.
	The Council agreed conclusions on Services of General Economic Interest (SGEI) which envisaged a new framework on state aid and SGEI; an examination of the case for a horizontal Directive based on Article 16; steps to improve the evaluation of SGEI.
	The Council took note of the joint work programme of the three Presidencies (Belgium, Spain and Denmark) and there were presentations on the Single Market Scoreboard, the Commission's Services Strategy and the Commission's Internal Market Strategy.
	The Council reached agreement on the following legislative items: political agreement was achieved on cosmetics directive, dangerous substances directive covering azocolourants, CMRs, the insurance intermediaries directive and the regulation on cross-border Euro payments, all of which the UK supported. The Commission's voluntary agreement with industry on pedestrian protection was approved again with UK support.

Nuclear Reactors

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to commission new nuclear reactors at existing nuclear power stations in the south-west.

Brian Wilson: The Department has no plans to commission new nuclear power stations either in the south-west or elsewhere nor has it received any application from others to do so.

EU Chemicals Strategy

Julia Drown: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the names and positions of (a) Ministers, (b) officials and (c) political advisers in her Department who communicated with UK MEPs prior to the European Parliament's vote on the Schoerling report on the EC White Paper on Chemicals on 15 November; and if she will make a statement on information given by them to MEPs on this matter.

Patricia Hewitt: My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science and Innovation; Lord Sainsbury, has been in contact with Glyn Ford MEP to explain the overall UK position on the EU Chemicals Strategy. The UK position which he set out was entirely consistent with the overall Government policy on this issue, on which my right hon. Friend the Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs leads. The UK Government support the aims and objectives of the EU Chemicals Strategy. We wish to see a workable strategy which protects the environment and human health by targeting chemicals of most concern through the authorisation process while at the same time minimising animal testing, encouraging innovation and maintaining the competitiveness of the chemicals industry. We support the inclusion in the authorisation process of chemicals which are at the same time persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBTs) and which are very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB), once the necessary criteria for identification of PBTs and vPvBs are established; and also the inclusion of known endocrine disruptors when agreed scientifically valid test methods and criteria are established to identify these substances. Background briefing was also provided to Glyn Ford MEP in early September on a range of DTI issues, including on the EU Chemicals Strategy. This again was entirely consistent with the Government policy as set out above.

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by her Department were the subject of a holding answer in the last three sessions of Parliament.

Patricia Hewitt: Following is the information requested.
	
		
			 Year Percentage 
		
		
			 199899 62 
			 19992000 52 
			 200001 47

Ariane Programme

Barbara Follett: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment her Department has made of the impact of the termination of the UK's involvement in the Ariane programme on the manufacturing and service sector; and what effect this will have on Government funding for the Galileo project.

Patricia Hewitt: There has been no reduction in the UK's involvement in the Ariane programme. Our contribution was decided upon at the European Space Agency Ministerial, which was hosted by the UK recently in Edinburgh.
	There is therefore no effect on other programmes.

EGNOS Projects

Barbara Follett: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment her Department has made of the relationship between the (a) amount of funding provided by European Space Agency member states to the EGNOS project and (b) amount and quality of work won by contractors from each ESA member state; if this assessment will affect UK funding for the Galileo project; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: The amount and quality of work won by contractors under ESA contracts is in direct proportion to the investment made by member states due to the application of juste-retour to all ESA contracts.
	The UK took a 20 per cent. stake in the EGNOS programme to secure key elements of the infrastructure (i) to ensure that UK industry secured high technology contracts, and (ii) to maximise our influence in the eventual operation of the system. I believe that we have been successful in achieving both these objectives.
	My Department is working closely with the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions and others within Whitehall to examine the economic case for providing further funding to the Galileo project, if it goes ahead.

Fuel Poverty

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will publish details of the research underlying the statement in her press release number 250/01 dated 21 November on the proportion of households without a gas supply living in fuel poverty.

Brian Wilson: The information on the number of fuel poor households without mains gas is included in the report of the working group on extending the gas network. This report will shortly be published on the Department of Trade and Industry website http://www.dti.gov.uk and copies placed in the Libraries of the House.

BNFL

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what financial losses have been made by BNFL plc in each of the last two years; and how have these losses been financed.

Brian Wilson: BNFL Group's independently audited annual report and accounts stated that BNFL made a loss for the financial year after exceptional items of 46 million in the year to 31 March 2001 and 262 million in the year to 31 March 2000.
	The annual report and accounts also included an equivalent amount transferred from accumulated reserves in each year to cover the losses.

BNFL

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 20 November 2001, Official Report, column 163W, on BNFL, where BNFL Inc.'s accounts are published in the United States; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: BNFL's Inc.'s accounts are not published in the US. BNFL Inc. is part of BNFL plc's Nuclear Clean UP and Decommissioning Business Group for which segmental information is published in BNFL's annual report and accounts.

BNFL

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultants have been retained by her Department to advise on the review of BNFL's nuclear liabilities.

Brian Wilson: Work carried out by the Department on the future of BNFL included reviewing the management of BNFL's liabilities. The work was done with the assistance of the following advisers:
	Credit Suisse First Boston (financial advice);
	HSBC (financial advice);
	Slaughter and May (legal advice);
	Arthur Andersen (strategy and accounting advice (jointly to DTI and BNFL));
	Deloitte and Touche (accounting advice);
	Lane, Clark and Peacock (actuarial advice); and
	Mercers (strategy advice).
	Arthur D Little also conducted an independent assessment for DTI of BNFL's 19992000 liabilities review.

BNFL

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total remuneration, including bonuses, paid in the last financial year to (a) Paul Miskimin, President of BNFL Inc. and (b) Charles Pryor, President and Chief Executive Officer of Westinghouse Electric.

Brian Wilson: This information is a matter between the companies and those individuals. Details of their remuneration are not a matter of public record.

BNFL

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 20 November 2001, Official Report, column 163W, on BNFL, by how much the final cost of constructing the Sellafield MOX plant differs from the carrying value in the latest BNFL published account.

Brian Wilson: Information relating to the construction costs of the Sellafield MOX Plant (SMP) was included in the report produced by the independent consultants A. D. Little assessing BNFL's business case for operation of the plant. This was published in July 2001 with certain commercially sensitive information excised.
	As can be seen from figure 21 of the report, A. D. Little noted that PA Consulting's earlier 1997 report on the economic case for SMP considered that the construction costs were at least 300 million. A. D. Little assessed that at the time of their own 2001 report, commissioning having continued since the PA Consulting report, sunk costs in respect of SMP were around 470 million. BNFL's annual accounts for the financial year ending 31 March 2001 give a carrying value for SMP of 473 million.
	Please note that my answer of 20 November contained an error. It gave the carrying value of SMP in BNFL's latest annual accounts as 462 million. This value was in fact taken by mistake from BNFL's accounts for the previous financial year ending 31 March 2000.

BNFL

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what annual operational cost savings have been achieved in (a) electricity generation and (b) reprocessing as a result of the integration of BNFL and Magnox Electric.

Brian Wilson: The merger of BNFL and Magnox has brought integrated management of the Magnox fuel cycle as well as a sensible relationship between the component parts of the business. There is also now a clear strategy on Magnox power station lifetimes. Detailed information about operational costs is a commercial matter for BNFL. However, information about the commercial performance of BNFL's Magnox Generation Business is provided in BNFL's annual report and accounts.

BNFL

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her assessment is of the total amount of money BNFL Inc. has lost in (a) the Hanford River Protection project, (b) the East Tennessee Technology Park, (c) BNFL Savannah River Corporation, (d) Rocky Mountain Remediation Services and (e) the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment project in Idaho Falls.

Brian Wilson: Details of the financial performance of individual contracts are commercially confidential. Information on the losses incurred on the East Tennessee Technology Park contract was disclosed on page 51 of the BNFL Annual Report and Accounts 2000 because, in the company's view, that was an exceptional item as described in the Companies Act 1985.

BNFL

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether her Department has carried out an independent assessment to determine the future commercial viability of BNFL Inc.

Brian Wilson: The Department has received independent advice on many aspects of BNFL's business, including BNFL Inc., as part of the work undertaken by the Department. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced on 28 November 2001, Official Report, columns 99096, the conclusions to this work.

BNFL

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 20 November 2001, Official Report, column 163W, on BNFL, if she will list the reasons for the commercial sensitivity and whether throughput capacities of BNFL's other production plants are publicly available.

Brian Wilson: Information about throughput capacity of BNFL plants is generally considered to be commercially sensitive. The A. D. Little report on BNFL's economic case for operation of the Sellafield MOX Plant was published in July 2001. As was stated in the decision document published by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health, the only information withheld from the published report was
	that judged to be commercially sensitive for BNFL, the publication of which would prejudice BNFL's commercial opportunities with respect to the manufacture of MOX fuel.
	Nevertheless, the published A. D. Little report does note at paragraph 1.4.3 that the nominal design capacity is 120 tonnes of heavy metal per year. A. D. Little state in a footnote to paragraph 1.4.3 of their report that the plant operating capacity is commercially sensitive but that the figure is less than 100 tonnes of heavy metal per year.

Liabilities Management Authority

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she will appoint the head of the Liabilities Management Authority.

Brian Wilson: The Liabilities Management Authority will be established by a Bill which will be brought forward in due course. The LMA's head will be appointed in accordance with the Code and Guidance issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments following the LMA's establishment.

Liabilities Management Authority

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will publish the terms of reference for the Liabilities Management Authority.

Brian Wilson: The Liabilities Management Authority will be responsible for Government's interest in the discharge of public sector civil nuclear liabilities. It will provide the driving force and incentives to get on with the job of systematically and progressively reducing the hazard posed by legacy facilities and wastes. It will have a specific remit to develop an overall UK strategy for decommissioning and clean-up.
	A Bill to establish the LMA will be brought forward in due course. More detailed proposals for the operation of the LMA will be set out in a White Paper to be published in the Spring.

Nuclear Liabilities Review

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the terms of reference are for the review of nuclear liabilities being undertaken by her Department; and which other Government Departments are involved in the review.

Brian Wilson: The management of public sector civil nuclear liabilities was considered as part of the quinquennial review of the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
	The terms of reference for the review were announced on 19 April 2000 by the then Minister for Energy on 19 April 2000, Official Report, column 548W. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry made a statement to the House on 28 November 2001 Official Report, columns 990-96, about the future management of public sector civil nuclear liabilities which reflected the outcome of this work.
	Copies of the QQR report have been placed in the Libraries of the House. The report identifies the wide range of Government Departments and other stakeholders which were consulted in the course of carrying out the review.

Regulations

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many regulations affecting business have been abolished since 1997.

Patricia Hewitt: Records relating to the regulations introduced since 1997, which would provide details of how these regulations related to existing regulations, showing how they amended or abolished them, are held not centrally but by the management units responsible for the policy areas concerned. They could be assembled and analysed only at disproportionate cost.

Energy Supply (Middle East)

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  what assessment she has made of energy supplies and the middle east in response to the events of 11 September; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what percentage of the UK oil supply comes from middle east countries; what percentage comes from each such country; which other countries supply the UK with oil; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: Although the UK is a net exporter of crude oil, significant quantities of particular grades of crude oil are imported for processing in UK refineries. The table provides the full detail requested. Of the total of 88 million tonnes of crude oil and refinery feedstocks processed in the UK during 2000, 44 per cent. was of crude oil from the UK sector of the North sea, 37 per cent. from the Norwegian sector, with crude oil from middle east countries accounting for 3 per cent. of total UK refinery throughput during the year. Of this, the majority came from Saudi Arabia.
	In light of the events of 11 September I am keeping security of energy supplies under constant review. Despite the response of the coalition against terrorism to the tragedy in the US on 11 September there has been no impact on oil and gas supplies from the middle east or from elsewhere in the world. As mentioned above, the UK has a low reliance on the middle east as a source of oil supplies.
	
		UK imports of crude oil and refinery feedstocks in 2000
		
			 Country of origin Thousand tonnes As a percentage of total UK refinery intake 
		
		
			 Saudi Arabia 2,053 2.3 
			 Syria 234 0.3 
			 Other near and middle east 144 0.2 
			  
			 Total middle east 2,431 2.8 
			
			 Norway 32,317 36.7 
			 Russia 2,775 3.2 
			 Egypt 1,412 1.6 
			 Libya 1,362 1.5 
			 Denmark 1,345 1.5 
			 Estonia 1,331 1.5 
			 Venezuela 1,092 1.2 
			 Sweden 747 0.8 
			 Mexico 729 0.8 
			 France 654 0.7 
			 Algeria 564 0.6 
			 Netherlands 472 0.5 
			 Belgium 323 0.4 
			 Germany 276 0.3 
			 Ireland 265 0.3 
			 Lithuania 214 0.2 
			 Switzerland 140 0.2 
			 Other countries 936 1.1 
			  
			 Total imports 49,386 56.1 
		
	
	Source:
	Data supplied to DTI by UK oil companies

Caspian Oil Pipelines

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make an assessment of the Russian-Kazakhstani pipeline schemes for the Caspian oil fields; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: Kazakhstan is the second largest oil producer (after Russia) among the former Soviet republics and is committed to the development of multiple oil pipelines from the country to international markets. Currently, Kazakhstan sends the majority of its oil exports via Russia using three main existing pipelines:
	(i) the 691 km pipeline from Atyrau in Kazakhstan to Samara in Russia, capacity of which is being increased to c.300,000 barrels per day (bbl/d);
	(ii) the Kenkyak-Orsk (Russia) pipeline, which transports oil from the Aktyubinsk fields in western Kazakhstan to the Orsk refinery in Russia, capacity of which is c.130,000 bbl/d, and;
	(iii) the 1,580 km Tengiz-Novorossiisk (Russia) pipeline, which was officially opened recently on 27 November. This pipeline has an initial capacity of c.600,000 bbl/d, which could eventually be increased to 1.3 to 1.5 million bbl/d.
	These pipelines, and other projects in the Caspian region which do not involve Russia, help to provide more diverse regions of world oil supply.

Natural Gas

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what procedures are in place to ensure that the energy (a) policy and (b) regulation of Great Britain does not discriminate against the Northern Ireland natural gas Industry.

Brian Wilson: The energy market in Northern Ireland is separate from that in Great Britain. However, both the Department of Trade and Industry and Ofgem consult widely on all proposals and there is an opportunity for Northern Irish companies to comment if they believe they may be affected. Ofgem and DTI also keep their counterparts in Northern Ireland informed of relevant proposals.

Women Entrepreneurs

Stephen Hesford: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what help her Department is offering to women entrepreneurs; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: My Department recognises the increasingly important contribution that women entrepreneurs make to the nation's economy. It also recognises however that relatively fewer women set up business in the UK than in comparable countries such as the US. Through the Small Business Service (SBS) my Department is therefore working to research and better understand their needs and tackle any specific barriers that they may face in starting and running their own businesses.
	Women who are thinking of setting up or who are already running their own businesses are able to make use of the full range of services provided by the SBS through Business Link operators. In addition the SBS:
	has undertaken research about the characteristics of women entrepreneurs, including the sponsorship of a three day conference at Durham University on female entrepreneurship (Shifting the Gears 1012 September 2001).
	is responsible for the Phoenix Development Fund, which is looking at various innovative ways of providing business support and training to women entrepreneurs. All 96 Development Fund project are available to women and of these 16 have women as their main focus. Details of all of these projects can be found at www.sbs/phoenix/devbid.asp
	is providing specific advice to women as part of the Business Link website, at http://www.businesslink.org/cgi-bin/bv1/ index.jsp?urlid=5P COID=-9156subtupe=4#gohere which also provides links to other relevant organisations.

First Class Post

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the achievement of the Government target for first class post being delivered next morning.

Douglas Alexander: holding answer 29 November 2001
	It is the Postal Services Commission and not the Government which is responsible for setting and enforcing standards of service. It has, on the advice of Postwatch, set a target for the average performance in February and March 2002 of 92.1 per cent. of first class post to be delivered next day. An assessment of whether the target has been achieved will be made by the Postal Services Commission with Postwatch.

Atomic Energy Police

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the operational value is of running three Volkswagen, two Mitsubishi and one Peugeot vehicle for the Atomic Energy Police.

Brian Wilson: The Constabulary employ their vehicles on patrol and escort duties. Two of the four-wheel drive Volkswagen Transporter Synchro vehicles are employed as dog patrol vehicles and one is employed on general patrol duties. The Mitsubishi products are armoured vehicles performing duty as escort vehicles for special material convoys. The Peugeot Expert van is another general patrol vehicle.

Atomic Energy Police

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the advantages are of (a) not operating and (b) operating a central purchasing policy for the Atomic Energy Police.

Brian Wilson: The UK Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary (AEAC) operates a Central Purchasing Policy. Vehicles are purchased through the Home Office Framework Arrangement for the purchases of vehicles and spare parts by the Police and Fire Authorities. The advantage of operating such a policy is the value for money that this provides. The negotiation with the various manufacturers is made on behalf of the entire Police Service and the rates of discount are applied across the Service. Rates of discount available outside the framework arrangement are nowhere near as beneficial. In relation to clothing, the Constabulary purchases from a consortium with other forces, again being able to take advantage of the benefits that buying on a larger scale brings. Both of these initiatives are supported by the Police Authority as best value initiatives.

Atomic Energy Police

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what personal vehicle is available to the Chief Constable of the Atomic Energy Police.

Brian Wilson: A range of vehicles is available to the Chief Constable up to a certain value. He has selected a Mercedes 'C' class saloon.

Small Business (Chorley)

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much funding from her Department has been allocated to help start small businesses in Chorley in each of the last five years.

Nigel Griffiths: Business Link North West Lancashire spends 270,000 per year (12 per cent.) of core funding on Starting Out.
	In the Chorley area, the most recent figures on the number of businesses assisted to start up are 23, 35 and 51 for years 200102 (until August), 200001 and 19992000 respectively.

Engineering and Technology Board

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the role of the Engineering and Technology Board is; who the chairman is; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: The Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) has been set up to be responsive to the needs of the wider engineering and technology community and reflect the interests of key stakeholder groups, including business and industry, registered engineers, professional institutions, academia and the rapidly developing technology sector. It is based on extensive preparatory work undertaken by The Hawley Group and an ETB 'Shadow Board'.
	The ETB starts work formally in the new year and high on the ETB's list of priorities will be issues such as: skills; the importance and attractiveness of engineering and technology-based careers; and the needs of the rapidly growing technology sector.
	The first chairman of the Engineering and Technology Board is Dr. Robert Hawley, who also chaired the shadow ETB and the Engineering Council. On 1 January 2002 Sir Peter Williams will replace him as ETB chair.
	A second organisation, the Engineering Council (UK) (ECUK) took over the former Engineering Council's regulatory functions at the close of the 6 December Engineering Council Senate meeting. Professor Patrick Dowling was named as the first EC(UK) chair.

Ministerial Visits (North-East)

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times since November 2000 Ministers from her Department have visited (a) the Teesside area and (b) Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency to meet with locally based businesses.

Patricia Hewitt: On 3 November 2000 the then Secretary of State for Trade and Industry attended a lunch with local business people at Gisborough Hall in Guisbourough and visited Tetley Teas in Eaglescliffe near Stockton-on-Tees that same afternoon.

Security (Protec)

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what security services at British nuclear facilities are provided by Protec.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 3 December 2001
	SDA Protec Ltd. in the UK is a Government approved security company that has carried out work across the nuclear industry, including UKAEA, BNFL and British Energy. It is not appropriate for me to comment on individual commercial contracts.

Oil Exploration

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  if she will make a statement on what discussions her Department has had with oil companies regarding oil exploration projects in central Asia in the last 12 months;
	(2)  if she will make a statement on what discussions her Department has had with Shell UK on their interests in central Asia in the last 12 months;
	(3)  if she will make a statement on what discussions her Department has had with representatives of BP in the last 12 months.

Brian Wilson: Over any 12-month period, there are numerous discussions between DTI and Trade Partners UK (TPUK) ministers and officials, and representatives of all UK oil companies, including BP and Shell. These discussions take place in the UK, and in our overseas posts around the world.
	Central Asia, in particular Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, is currently a major region for international oil company investment. Many of the DTI and TPUK discussions with UK oil companies over the last 12 months will have covered their activities in, and plans for, this part of the world.

Enron

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the impact of the current trading status of Enron on utilities in the UK; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: Four of Enron's businesses in the UK are now in administration. Enron Direct and Teesside Power continue to operate. Ofgem and DTI are continuing to monitor the situation.
	Ofgem is closely monitoring Enron's trading position. It is working with all parties involved to ensure security of supply.
	Arrangements exist in the event of a supplier's failure for Ofgem, the independent regulator, to ensure that customers continue to receive a supply.

Sustainable Energy

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent research her Department has in place into energy production from agricultural products.

Brian Wilson: Under the Department's Sustainable Energy Programme, we have 24 projects in place into energy production from agricultural products. The total value of these projects is 4.7 million of which the Department is contributing 2.6 million. A list of the projects follows.
	
		
			 Project title Contract start date Contract end date 
		
		
			 Call-Off Contract for Advice on Energy Grasses 16 February 2000 16 February 2002 
			 Trial of the Suitability of Switchgrass and Reed Canary Grasses as Biofuel Crops under UK Conditions 1 August 2000 31 March 2005 
			 Evaluating Grasses as a Long Term Energy Resource 5 January 2001 4 January 2003 
			 Development of a Prototype Specialist Shuttle Vehicle for Chipped Woodfuel 1 November 2001 30 April 2003 
			 Coppice EstablishmentConsultancy 1 July 1998 31 October 2002 
			 Evaluation of Low-cost Establishment Systems for Short Rotation Coppice 1 January 1999 30 June 2003 
			 MiscanthusPractical Aspects of Biofuel Development 9 April 1999 8 April 2003 
			 Yield Models for Energy Coppice of Poplar and WillowPhase IV 1 June 1999 31 May 2005 
			 Short Rotation Coppice (Task 1) 17 April 2000 16 April 2002 
			 Short Rotation Coppice (Tasks 3 and 4) 17 April 2000 16 April 2002 
			 Short Rotation Coppice (Task 5) 17 April 2000 16 April 2002 
			 Maintenance of First Generation Coppice Plots- Phase 2 1 March 2000 28 February 2003 
			 Negotiation of Land Use Agreements for Mature Coppice Plots 29 February 2000 31 January 2003 
			 Development of an Integrated Wood Fuel Supply System to Deliver SRC from Field to Power Station 15 March 2000 31 March 2002 
			 Storage of Forest Residues and Short Rotation Coppice in Compressed Fiberlogs 1 May 2001 31 January 2003 
			 Identification and Characterisation of Factors Affecting Losses in the Large-scale, Non-ventilated Bulk Storage of Wood Chips and Development of Best Storage Practices 5 February 2001 5 August 2002 
			 A Further Evaluation of Herbicides for Post Emergence Use in Short Rotation Coppice 7 June 2001 7 April 2002 
			 An Evaluation of the Optimum Timing for Planting Short Rotation Coppice 9 March 2001 1 May 2004 
			 Investigation of Single Stem Tree Plantations for Bioenergy 1 April 2001 30 June 2002 
			 Investigation of Low-till Systems for the Establishment of Willow Coppice in Grassland 1 January 2001 28 February 2003 
			 The Effects on Flora and Fauna of Converting Grassland to Short Rotation Coppice 1 April 2001 31 December 2005 
			 Willow Varietal Interactions in Mixtures, Contributing to Optimum Sustainability 1 November 2001 31 October 2004 
			 Adding Value to Wood Fuelled Heating in Commercial Glasshouses 1 July 2001 31 December 2002 
			 Improving Willow Breeding Efficiency 1 November 1998 30 September 2002

Miners' Compensation

Denis Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) interim payments and (b) final payments have been made to former miners and their estates under the chronic emphysema and bronchitis compensation scheme in (a) the Wansbeck constituency, (b) Northumberland and (c) the UK.

Brian Wilson: The Department has made interim and full and final payments in respect of compensation for respiratory disease in the above regions as follows:
	
		
			  Number of  
			 Region  Interim payments Full and final payments Total damages paid ( million) 
		
		
			 (a) Wansbeck constituency 569 215 3.29 
			 (b) Northumberland(38) 881 361 5.41 
			 (c) UK 42,053 13,351 226.7 
		
	
	(38) Northumberland as defined by the areas denoted by the following postcodes: NE 15, 1820, 2326, 4149, 6171 and TD 12, 15
	Constituency and headline statistics can now be found on the Department's website at www.dti.gov.uk/ coalhealth.

Miners' Compensation

Denis Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many compensation claims have been made to date in respect of chronic bronchitis and emphysema in (a) the Wansbeck constituency, (b) Northumberland and (c) the UK.

Brian Wilson: The Department has registered claims in respect of compensation for respiratory disease in the above regions as follows:
	
		
			 Region  Number of claims registered 
		
		
			 (a) Wansbeck constituency 2,564 
			 (b) Northumberland(39) 4,243 
			 (c) UK 171,087 
		
	
	(39) Northumberland as defined by the areas denoted by the following postcodes: NE 15, 1820, 2326, 4149, 6171 and TD 12, 15
	Constituency and headline statistics can now be found on the Department's website at www.dti.gov.uk/ coalhealth.

Miners' Compensation

Denis Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the average length of time taken between receipt of a claim under the chronic bronchitis and emphysema compensation scheme and an offer being made to the claimant in (a) the Wansbeck constituency, (b) Northumberland and (c) the UK.

Brian Wilson: Claims are not all processed at the same rate. Claims are being handled, as set out in the handling agreement, agreed with the claimants' solicitors, whereby the most elderly and ill claimants are prioritised. Widows are also being dealt with first, wherever possible and are given priority over estates' claims. The time taken to settle a claim will therefore depend on the number of priority points allocated to it. The problems there have been getting the scheme up and running also affected the time taken to deal with claims.
	The Department is unable to provide the average length of time between receipt of a claim for compensation for respiratory disease and an offer being made to the claimant. There is, however, no discrimination on where the claimant lives.
	It should also be noted that across the 171,000 claims registered to date, each claim is different and the time taken to settle claims accurately and fairly will vary widely.

Wind Farm, Wales

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reason her Department did not allocate the funding requested by the Awel Amen Tame to develop Wales' first community owned wind farm.

Brian Wilson: The Department provided 70,000 of funding for Awel Aman Tawe for the initial phase of their community wind farm development programme. This was used to fund a number of awareness raising and information dissemination activities and culminated in a local referendum to assess the level of local support for the proposed wind farm.
	A further request for funding of the second phase of the project was received in response to a call for proposals for our new and renewable energy programme. That was assessed and rejected by a panel of independent assessors and by our programme managers. Broadly, much of the work content was concerned with normal development activities and only some elements seemed novel.
	Of the 100 million for renewables announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in March, it has been decided to allocate 10 million to support community developments across a range of technologies. Once this scheme has been developed, Awel Aman Tawe may be interested in applying for further support.

Nuclear Security

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Bury, North (Mr. Chaytor), on 12 November 2001, Official Report, column 541W, on Sellafield, what assessment she has made of how long it would take a commercial passenger plane flying at 2,200 ft above sea level two nautical miles from Sellafield to crash into Sellafield.

Brian Wilson: No such assessment has been made.

Nuclear Security

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations have been undertaken since 11 September with (a) non-governmental organisations and (b) independent academic experts on the security of nuclear installations and nuclear materials in transport by the Office for Civil Nuclear Security; and what were the (i) dates and (ii) matters covered in the meetings.

Brian Wilson: There have been no consultations since 11 September 2001 between the Office for Civil Nuclear Security and non-governmental organisations or independent academic experts on the security of nuclear installations and nuclear materials in transport.

Nuclear Reprocessing (Toxic Effects)

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the report published on 23 November by the European Parliament's Scientific and Technological Options Assessment Programme on possible toxic effects from the nuclear reprocessing plants at Sellafield and Cap de la Hague, France.

Brian Wilson: None. The subject matter of this reportwhich was prepared by an organisation called WISE-Parisappears to relate to assessment of the possible environmental impacts of reprocessing. In the UK such matters fall to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs to whom I understand my hon. Friend has addressed a similar question.
	I am aware, however, that the objectivity and scientific validity of the study produced by WISE-Paris have been called into question by Members of the European Parliament and that, in view of this, the European Parliament body that commissioned the report in response to a request from a separate committee formally sought from three experts an independent evaluation of the report.
	The Chairman of the Scientific and Technological Options Assessment Panel (STOA) makes clear in a letter written as a cover to the study on its publication that publication of the document
	does not imply adoption of its contents and these do not necessarily reflect the views of members of the STOA Panel or the European Parliament.
	The letter goes on to state
	the STOA Panel expresses regret that WISE-Paris saw fit to break the confidentiality clause in its contract by making public parts of the study prior to its publication. This behaviour of WISE-Paris is not in line with the long-standing tradition of STOA, which has always endeavoured to associate its work with the highest scientific and ethical standards.
	As the letter explains, at its meeting on 23 October the STOA Panel took note of the WISE-Paris study and decided to publish it
	as a first contribution to the scientific debate.
	STOA also decided to make public the assessments of the WISE-Paris work that STOA obtained from the independent experts.

Energy Policy

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what dates the Energy Minister attended meetings of the performance and innovation unit inquiry into energy policy; and on what further dates this year he expects to attend such meetings.

Brian Wilson: I attended and chaired meetings of the PIU steering group on 16 July, 17 October and 22 November of this year. There was also a meeting of the PIU steering group on 25 September which I was unable to attend. No further meetings of the PIU steering group are currently planned.

Nuclear Industry (North-West)

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her Department's estimate is of the value of the nuclear industry to the output of the economy of the north-west region (a) in real money value and (b) as a percentage of overall north-west output in the last 12 months; and what predictions her Department has made of the future value of the industry.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 23 November 2001
	The DTI does not hold this information. The DTI has not made any prediction of the future value of the nuclear industry to the north-west.

Civil Nuclear Liabilities

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is her estimate of the (a) current and (b) projected liabilities arising from radiological contamination owned by (i) BNFL, (ii) UKAEA and (iii) the oil industry; and if she will make a statement on what steps she plans to take to deal with these liabilities.

Brian Wilson: As at 31 March 2001, BNFL manages some 35 billion liabilities (undiscounted) of which it is financially responsible for 24 billion (undiscounted). It was announced on 28 November by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry that the liabilities will be increased by some 1.9 billion (discounted at 2.5 per cent.) due to the recently completed review of historic waste management by BNFL.
	As at 31 March 2001 UKAEA manages some 7.4 billion liabilities (undiscounted) (excluding those at BNFL sites).
	The figures represent current best estimates of lifetime liabilities and do not take account of the potential cost of changes in regulatory and policy requirements.
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry made a statement to the House on 28 November about the future management of public sector civil nuclear liabilities.
	The Government do not have an estimate of the oil industry's liabilities arising from radiological contamination.

Railtrack

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his Department is undertaking investigations into potential insider dealing regarding Railtrack shares in the period immediately before the suspension of shares in Railtrack; and if he will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: It is not the policy of my Department to comment on the affairs of particular companies. However, in view of the Department's concurrent responsibility with the Financial Services Authority for insider dealing from 1 December, the Department is willing to consider, in conjunction with the Financial Services Authority, any information the hon. Member may have suggesting insider dealing in Railtrack shares.

Low-cost Electricity

Teddy Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  if she has reviewed the impact of the Competition Act 1998 on the provision of low-cost electricity for persons over 60; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  for what reason the stay warm scheme which provides electricity at a lower price is being offered in every area of the nation apart from the east of England; and if he will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 3 December 2001
	TXU Energi has not made its Stay Warm tariff available to its home customers in the north-west and east Anglia, although I understand that it is considering whether to do so. The standard licence conditions for electricity introduced on 1 October 2001 removed remaining restrictions on incumbent suppliers such as TXU operating in their home areas. Like other suppliers, TXU remains subject to the operation of competition law, including the Competition Act 1998, which protects competitors and consumers from companies' abuse of a dominant position. It is for TXU, like companies in other markets, to judge whether offers to particular groups of consumers could be deemed anti-competitive. The Competition Act 1998 provides the opportunity for companies to seek guidance or a direction on schemes from the Office of Fair Trading.

Employment Regulation Costs

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her estimate is of the annual cost to employers of implementing the (a) Working Time Regulations 1998 (SI 1833), (b) employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1996 (i) excluding and (ii) including firms with between 15 to 20 staff, (c) national minimum wage, (d) reduction in the qualifying period for unfair dismissal from two years to one, (e) Public Interest Disclosures Act 1998, (f) rise in the upper limit for compensation for unfair dismissal from 12,000 to 51,700, (g) Maternity Leave etc. Regulations 1999 and other rights for parental leave and (h) the Part-Time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000.

Alan Johnson: The Government prepare regulatory impact assessments when proposals for new legislation are introduced. The table summarises the quantified annual costs to employers together with the benefits (both quantified and non-quantified).
	
		
			   Policy costs Implementation costs Benefits 
		
		
			 Working Time Regulations 2.3 billion(40) 1.5 to 3 million(40) 2 million employees get increased rest periods. 3.5 million night workers get right to health assessments. 3.1 million employees get four weeks paid annual leave (or pro rata for part-time workers). 
			   
			  Disability Discrimination Act Employment provisions 
			 excluding employers with 15 to 20 staff 3.25 million(41) 1 million(41) All disabled employees gain from fairer treatment and greater employment opportunities. 
			 including employers with 15 to 20 staff 3.4 million(41) 1.1 million(41) 0.4 million disabled employees in small enterprises benefit from being treated on the same basis as disabled employees in larger enterprises. 
			 
			 National Minimum Wage (original 1999 Regulations) 2.4 billion(41) 2 to 3 million(41) Workers benefit from higher pay (2.4 billion). 
			 
			 Increase in youth rate for NMW (2000) 45 million(41) Nil(41) Workers benefit from higher pay (45 million). 
			 
			 Increase in adult rate for NMW (2000) 180 million(41) Nil(41) Workers benefit from higher pay (180 million). 
			 
			 Increase in NMW (2001) 635 million(42) Nil(42) Workers benefit from higher pay (635 million). 
			 
			 Reduction of qualifying period for unfair dismissal 2.5 to 10 million(41) 2.5 to 4 million(41) 2.8 million employees gain from increased security. 
			 
			 Public Interest Disclosure Act Negligible Negligible Society gains from greater exposure of wrongdoing. 
			 
			 Rise in the upper limit for compensation for unfair dismissal Minimal Nil Potential benefits to a few employees who are wrongly dismissed. 
			 
			 Enhancement to maternity leave 16 million(41) Negligible 85,000 mothers have their leave increased and spend more time with their new-born child. 
			 
			 Parental leave 42 million(41) 0.2 million(41) 2.7 million employees gain the right to parental leave. Improved family life. 
			 
			 Time-off for dependants 7 million(40) 0.1 million(40) Employers benefit from improved commitment and reduced turnover. 0.6 million employees benefit directly and 2 million benefit indirectly. 
			 
			 Part-time workers (prevention of less favourable treatment) Regulations 23 million(41) 4 million(41) 400,000 part-time workers benefit directly from improved pay and conditions (23.4 million), 6 million indirectly through greater security. Employers benefit from increased labour supply. 
		
	
	(40) 1998 prices
	(41) 1999 prices
	(42) 2001 prices

Rural Petrol Stations

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to ensure the continued supply of road transport fuels at affordable prices in rural areas that are disadvantaged through the closure of retail filling stations.

Brian Wilson: I am at present considering whether there is a case for putting in place more effective mechanisms to support the objectives discussed by my hon. Friend.

Acquired Rights Directive

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to ensure that those employers who lost out because of the improper implementation of European Directive 77/187 in the TUPE regulations of 1981 will receive compensation; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to ensure recompense for those affected by the UK breach of its obligations under the 1977 Acquired Rights Directive.

Alan Johnson: The Government have admitted that, until the TUPE Regulations were amended in 1993, the Acquired Rights Directive was not implemented correctly, and that this was a sufficiently serious breach of the UK's EC obligations to give rise to a liability for damages, where anyone suffered losses as a result. The Government are therefore prepared to compensate anyone affected provided that they can show that they suffered loss as a result of that breach.

BAE Systems

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of (a) BAE Systems' decision to close the Regional Jet RJ and RJX programme; and (b) the impact the closure will have on (i) the future prospects and competency of the UK's civilian aerospace industry and (ii) the aerospace component supply industries.

Brian Wilson: The Government regret the recent announcements of job losses within BAE Systems and the Department is maintaining a close dialogue with the company to evaluate the situation. Officials of the relevant Government Departments and local support agencies are working with the company to mitigate the effect of the Regional Jet programme closure. I understand that Employment Services met the company on 5 December.
	The Government deeply regret any job losses announced as a response to the downturn in aviation. BAE System's announcement is essentially a commercial decision and is partly in response to the downturn in aerospace sector exacerbated by the impact of events of 11 September.
	The prospects for the aerospace sector in the medium to long term remain robust.

Textile Industry

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the job losses in the textile industry for each year since 1991.

Brian Wilson: Information is not available for job losses.

Public Appointments

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many public appointments she has made since 7 June.

Patricia Hewitt: In the period between 7 June and 30 November 2001 a total of 167 ministerial appointments were made to bodies for which my Department is responsible, of which 99 were re-appointments of serving members.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Mobile Phone Masts

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the (a) DTLR and (b) DTI regarding the environmental impact of third generation mobile phone masts.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 29 November 2001
	None. The Association of National Park Authorities, together with the Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, have written to me to raise concerns about telecommunications in national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty. I have asked officials to initiate joint discussions with DTLR and DTI to consider the issues raised.

Recycling

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will set out the penalty arrangements which will apply in the event of local authorities failing to meet the Government's targets for recycling.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 27 November 2001
	The statutory performance standards for household waste recycling and composting are demanding but realistic targets that each local authority should be able to achieve, and ideally exceed, without need for penalties. Nevertheless, the performance standards have been established under the best value regime and this provides extensive powers for direction and, if necessary, intervention in the event of targets not being reached. I have made it very clear to all local authorities that the Government expect them to achieve their targets and will use the power available, if necessary, to ensure that they are met.

Recycling

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of UK municipal waste was recycled in the last 12 months.

Michael Meacher: Annual recycling data for UK municipal waste are not available. Information on the percentage of municipal waste that was recycled or composted in England and Wales is obtained from the Department's annual Municipal Waste Management Survey. The latest available data from 19992000 show a recycling rate of 11 per cent.

Recycling

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what targets the Government have set for domestic waste recycling.

Michael Meacher: Waste Strategy 2000 announced challenging targets to increase the amount of municipal waste recycled and composted in England and Wales. These targets are:
	To recycle or compost at least 25 per cent of household waste by 2005
	To recycle or compost at least 30 per cent. of household waste by 2010
	To recycle or compost at least 33 per cent. of household waste by 2015.
	To ensure that local authorities contribute to achieving these targets, the Government have set Statutory Performance Standards for recycling and composting for individual authorities. These can be found in the Government's Guidance on Municipal Waste Management Strategies, published in March 2001. Copies are available in the House of Commons Library and from the DEFRA website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/ environment/waste/management/guidance/mwms/ index.htm

Waste Directive

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the average cost to farms of applying the provisions of the EU waste directive; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 28 November 2001
	We are preparing the regulations necessary to apply the provisions of the Waste Framework Directive to those types of agricultural waste which are not excluded from control under Article 2. On completion, we will issue a draft of the regulations for consultation with the farming industry and other interested groups. A Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is also being prepared. The RIA will form part of the consultation paper and will assess the average cost to farms of applying the Directive's provisions. I will ensure that a copy of the consultation paper is sent to the hon. Member when it is issued.

Departmental Strikes

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 28 November 2001, Official Report, column 1029W, (Ref 17635), on strike action, how many staff have been engaged in industrial action; and in which divisions of her Department.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 4 December 2001
	On 28 September, the last day on which PCS members in all DEFRA offices were asked to take action, 2,102 members of staff took action. Since then there has been further action but this has affected only a limited number of DEFRA offices, and thus staff, on any particular day.
	Most divisions which have staff in PCS grades who are covered by the proposed pay settlement for staff formerly in MAFF have lost some staff days due to industrial action.

Departmental Strikes

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 30 November 2001, Official Report, column 1172W, on industrial action, if she will list the targets on service standards that are likely to be missed.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 6 December 2001
	It is recognised that the current industrial action could potentially put at risk our ability to meet all our service standard targets. However, it is not possible to predict which of those targets might be missed.

Departmental Strikes

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 30 November 2001, Official Report, column 1172W, on industrial action, if she will list the (a) total and (b) per capita amount of payments by category that have been delayed since the dispute began.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 6 December 2001
	All payments are currently being made within the payment periods set in the EU regulations.

Departmental Strikes

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what is the value of payments due to farmers which have been delayed by industrial action in her Department; and what was the value on the last day of each month since May.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 4 December 2001
	Industrial action, which commenced in August, has mainly affected the Arable Area Payments Scheme. Payments under this scheme are made in a payment window running from 16 November to 31 January. In a normal year 6070 per cent. of the aid would be paid out in the first two to three weeks. This year the figure is likely to be a little over 50 per cent.

Dioxin Emission Limits

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to apply the same dioxin emission limits to cement kilns burning waste as apply to purpose built incinerators.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 27 November 2001
	The Environment Agency already applies the same dioxin emission limit to that portion of gas generated by burning hazardous waste in cement kilns as for waste burned in incinerators. This is in accordance with the pro-rating rules of the Hazardous Waste Incineration Directive (91/689/EEC).

Livestock Movements

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to permit forage movements between livestock farms under force of restrictions and farms which have surplus stocks of fodder.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 26 November 2001
	This matter is currently under consideration. We are looking to allow such movements subject to appropriate safeguards.

Foot and Mouth

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to provide financial assistance to farms which were subject to Form D restrictions.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 1 November 2001
	Farms subject to Form D restrictions are eligible for assistance from the Farms Business Advice Service which was launched last year with a budget of 5.25 million. It provides free on-farm advice for up to three days to farmers to help them develop better business practices, diversify or decide to leave the industry. An additional 1.5 million was made available in November.
	These farmers may also seek help through the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise.
	Under the EU state aid rules, we are unable to offer additional financial assistance to these farmers through the Business Recovery Fund, established to help a range of businesses following the impact of FMD.

Environmental Management

Charlotte Atkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the EU eco-management and audit scheme is one of the measures of environmental management standards recognised by her Department as demonstrating a commitment to responsible environmental performance; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The Department acknowledges the importance and value of the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). The EMAS regulation, in its recently revised form, incorporates the international standard for environmental management systems, ISO 14001, to manage environmental risks and impacts and improve performance. Significantly, EMAS additionally requires the publication of independently validated information on environmental performance. EMAS therefore focuses on performance by providing for disclosure that helps to meet stakeholders' interests in openness and transparency.

Refrigerators

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 28 November 2001, Official Report, column 993W, of the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, on refrigerators, what progress has been made in publishing guidance for (a) retail outlets who previously have collected old refrigerators when supplying new refrigerators to customers and (b) small retail businesses who have previously collected old refrigerators from large retail outlets and then sold them as secondhand items.

Michael Meacher: Retailers have been kept informed of the impacts of EC Regulation No. 2037/2000 through a series of stakeholder meetings (both general and specifically for retailers). My Department has also written to small retail businesses through a number of trade associations to outline the impacts of EC Regulation No. 2037/2000 on the management of waste fridges and freezers. My Department's website also contains information on the requirements of the regulation with regard to these issues.

Ozone Levels

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 22 November 2001, Official Report, column 425W, on ozone levels, 
	(1)  if she will list the number of days per site in rural areas on which pollution levels were (a) at and (b) below national air quality standards in (i) 1996, (ii) 1997, (iii) 1998, (iv) 1999 and (v) 2000;
	(2)  if she will provide a breakdown of (a) the different measures of pollution and (b) their levels in rural areas in (i) 1996, (ii) 1997, (iii) 1998, (iv) 1999 and (v) 2000.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 29 November 2001
	Levels of ozone are measured as part of the UK national urban and rural air pollution monitoring network. There are currently 120 automatic monitoring sites within this network that also measure a range of other pollutants. The number and location of monitoring sites are predominantly determined by the reporting requirements as set out in the Air Quality Framework Directive and the Air Quality Daughter Directives. The UK has been divided into air pollution monitoring areas (zone or agglomerations) for the purposes of the First Air Quality Daughter Directive.
	Sixteen national monitoring sites are located in rural or remote areas. These sites measure particulates (PM10), nitrogen dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide and ozone. However, not every site measures every pollutant. Table 1 lists the pollutants currently monitored at each rural monitoring station.
	The independent Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards (EPAQS) has developed recommendations on natural air quality standards. The standards are based on assessment of the health effects of each pollutant. When air pollution levels are above the standard mild effects, that are unlikely to require action, may start to be noticed by sensitive people. Table 2 lists the air quality standards.
	Table 3 shows the number of days at rural sites on which levels of ozone were above the national standard of 100 g/m 3 measured as a running eight hour average mean. Ozone episodes are caused by a combination of sunlight reacting on volatile organic compounds and nitrogen dioxide. These pollutants can be transported long distances and a proportion of the ozone measured during these episodes is likely to have originated from continental sources.
	Table 4 shows the number of days at rural sites on which levels of PM 1 0 were above the national standard of 50 g/m 3 measured as a running 24 hour average mean.
	Table 5 shows the number of days at rural sites on which levels of sulphur dioxide were above the national standard of 266 g/m 3 measured as a 15 minute mean.
	The nitrogen dioxide standard (287 g/m 3 measured as a one hour mean) has not been exceeded at any rural site at which monitoring is undertaken.
	
		Table 1: Automatic rural network stations29 November 2001
		
			 Name Location Pollutants measured Start date 
		
		
			 Wicken Fen Cambridgeshire O 3 , NOx, SO 2 15 October 1997 
			 Ladybower Derbyshire O 3 , NOx, SO 2 15 July 1988 
			 Yarner Wood Devon O 3 26 June 1987 
			 Lullington Heath East Sussex O 3 , NOx, SO 2 , 4 October 1986 
			 Rochester(43) Rochester O 3 , NOx, SO 2 , PM 1  0 26 January 1996 
			 Weybourne Norfolk O 3 20 May 2001 
			 High Muffles North Yorkshire O 3 16 July 1987 
			 Harwell Oxfordshire O 3 , NOx, SO 2 22 June 1976 
			 Somerton(43) South Somerset O 3 26 January 1996 
			 Sibton East Anglia O 3 1 July 1973 
			 Lough Navar Northern Ireland O 3 , PM 1  0 2 April 1987 
			 Eskdalemuir South Scotland O 3 23 April 1986 
			 Strath Vaich North Scotland O 3 18 March 1987 
			 Bush South Scotland O 3 1 April 1986 
			 Narberth(43) Pembrokeshire O 3 , NOx, SO 2 , PM 1  0 10 March 1997 
			 Aston Hill Mid-Wales O 3 26 June 1986 
		
	
	(43) Affiliate site
	Notes
	OzoneO 3
	Nitrogen dioxideNO 2
	Sulphur dioxideSO 2
	PM 1 0
	
		Table 2: Current UK air quality standards
		
			 Pollutant Concentration Standard measured as 
		
		
			 Benzene 16.25 g/m(46) Running annual mean 
			 1,3 butadiene 2.25 g/m(46) Running annual mean 
			 Carbon monoxide 11.6 g/m(46) Running 8 hour mean 
			 Lead 0.25 g/m(46) Annual mean 
			 Nitrogen dioxide 287 g/m(46) 1 hour mean 
			 Ozone 100 g/m(46) Running 8 hour mean 
			 PM 1  0 50 g/m(46) Running 24 hour mean 
			 Sulphur dioxide 266 g/m(46) 15 minute mean 
		
	
	
		Table 3: Days on which ozone levels were above the national standard at rural sites
		
			 Site 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 
		
		
			 Aston Hill 24 24 11 22 20 
			 Bush Estate 12 11 3 8 3 
			 Eskdalemuir 10 17 6 17 6 
			 Harwell 27 39 13 30 12 
			 High Muffles 25 27 15 31 15 
			 Ladybower 20 28 8 21 7 
			 Lough Navar 6 5 3 6 7 
			 Lullington Heath 40 54 27 49 28 
			 Narberth  27 12 27  
			 Rochester 28 42 20 38 18 
			 Sibton 28 31 17 23 13 
			 Somerton 40 38 23 34 26 
			 Strath Vaich 11 12 10 26 10 
			 Wicken Fen   11 31 10 
			 Yarner Wood 28 21 20 34 14 
		
	
	
		Table 4: Days on which PM10 levels were above the national standard at rural sites
		
			  Narberth Rochester 
		
		
			 1996   
			 1997 0 6 
			 1998 3 4 
			 1999 0 1 
			 2000 1 1 
		
	
	
		Table 5: Days on which sulphur dioxide levels were above the national standard at rural sites
		
			 Site 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 
		
		
			 Harwell 2  5 2 4 
			 Ladybower 6 1 7 0 0 
			 Lullington Heath 0 0 0 0  
			 Narberth  0 0  0 
			 Rochester 18 6 3 2 1 
			 Wicken Fen   0 0 0

Departmental Targets

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many targets set for her Department she (a) will and (b) will not meet by the set date.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 6 December 2001
	The Department is responsible for the Public Service Agreement (PSA) targets previously published for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and for the work transferred from the former Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. DEFRA is on course to meet all its PSA targets.

Biodiversity

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to encourage biodiversity in British agriculture.

Alun Michael: Many of DEFRA's activities are intended to conserve and enhance farmland biodiversity. Most notable among these are our agri-environment schemes, which we are expanding greatly under the England Rural Development Programme. Other measures include:
	delivery of free conservation advice to farmers, focusing especially on priority BAP species and habitat;
	cross-compliance measures to ensure good environmental management of set-aside land and to tackle over-grazing and inappropriate supplementary feeding of livestock;
	support for planting of trees on former agricultural land through the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme;
	controls on approval, storage, marketing and use of pesticides;
	flood management measures;
	a biodiversity and conservation management research programme worth over 2 million a year;
	our contribution to the many UK Biodiversity Action Plans for which agricultural management is a factor and, in particular, our lead partner role for the Habitat Action Plans for cereal field margins, ancient and/or species-rich hedgerows and upland hay meadows.
	We are also leading the campaign for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. One of our objectives is to shift its emphasis away from production subsidies and towards support for rural development and more environmentally-friendly farming practices. The England Biodiversity Strategy, which will be published next summer, will consider how biodiversity delivery can be further improved in the agriculture sector.

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by her Department were the subject of a holding answer in the last three sessions of Parliament.

Elliot Morley: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was created on 8 June 2001, therefore the historical information requested is not available. However, according to our records from Monday 25 June 2001 to Monday 10 December this Department received a total of 2,795 parliamentary questions, of which 905 were named day written questions, of which 73 per cent. received a holding answer.

Household Waste

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of household waste was recycled in (a) the UK, (b) the North East and (c) South Tyneside in each year from 1998 to 2001.

Michael Meacher: Data are available for England and Wales from the Department's annual Municipal Waste Management Survey. The percentage of household waste recycled is listed.
	
		Percentage 
		
			  199899 19992000 
		
		
			 England and Wales 8.8 10.3 
			 North East 3.7 4.3 
			 South Tyneside 3.7 4.2 
		
	
	200001 data are currently being collected from local authorities.

Correspondence

Peter Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she intends to reply to the letters of 25 June, 10 July, 5 October and 6 November from the right hon. Member for Hitchin and Harpenden, concerning a constituent, Ms Carin Beumer, Finance Director of the Natural Health Company (International) Ltd., Hitchin, over her Department's handling of the company's applications for standard certification of bovine sourced product.

Elliot Morley: I replied to the letter from the right hon. Member for Hitchin and Harpenden on 6 December 2001.

Arable Farmers (Compensation)

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what factors underlay her decision not to draw upon EU moneys to compensate UK arable farmers.

Elliot Morley: We considered the case for payment of optional agrimonetary compensation to the arable sector, the cost of which would largely have been borne by the UK Exchequer. While we acknowledge the difficulties that the sector is facing, we decided not to draw down these funds given the many competing demands on the Exchequer, not least the cost of eradicating foot and mouth disease. The arable sector will, however, be receiving 28 million in compulsory agrimonetary compensation this autumn.

Landfill

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what impact she anticipates (a) the increase in landfill tax in (i) 2001 and (ii) 2002, (b) national recycling targets for local authorities, (c) the implementation of the EU directive on fridge recycling, (d) the implementation of the EU directive on end-of-life vehicles and (e) the implementation of the EU directive on landfill will have on the level of council tax in English local authorities; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The amount of council tax individual authorities choose to raise is a matter for individual councils to decide. Spending Review 2000 looked at pressures on local authority services funded through the Environment, Protection and Cultural Services (EPCS) block, which included increases in landfill tax and the 200304 statutory targets for recycling and composting of household waste. SR2000 provided an increase in EPCS Standard Spending Assessment of 1.1 billion over the period covered by the spending review.
	Regarding the cost of managing waste fridges, my Department has announced an extra 6 million in the local government finance settlement. This will help local authorities with the extra costs of handling fridges to the end of this financial year.
	It has not yet been decided how the take-back and treatment of end-of-life vehicles under the directive will be funded between 2002 and 2007. The Government are now assessing the responses to their consultation on options for implementing the directive, and will take these into account when deciding the way forward.
	Spending Review 2000 will establish future levels of local authority funding for 200304 to 200506 with regard to the pressures they will face.

Flooding

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what meetings she has had in 2001 with agencies involved in flooding; what assessment she has made of the performance of flooding agencies (a) in relation to the reconstruction work made necessary by the winter 200001 flood damage and (b) the work done to prevent a recurrence of these events this winter; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: I hold regular meetings with the Environment Agency which is the principal flood defence operating authority and which exercises a general supervision over all matters relating to flood defence.
	Last year's flooding was truly exceptional and followed the wettest autumn on record. Flood defences damaged last year have all been repaired and reinstated, and in some cases improved. This means that communities are now at least as well defended as they were before the floods, and are often better defended. Longer term work to improve defences is under way in many areas. The arrangements for responding to flooding, which proved to be effective last year, have been further improved in the light of lessons learned.

Animal Experiments

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement of her policy on a ban on tests and experiments on live animals in the United Kingdom.

Michael Meacher: In line with Government policy on experiments on live animals, the policy of my Department is to seek a reduction in such experimentation wherever possible, consistent with the protection of human health and the environment. We take the view that, while a complete ban is not yet achievable, much more can and should be done to reduce the numbers of animals used in determining the environmental fate and effects of chemicals.
	We have made it clear to the Commission of the European Communities and to other member states that a key objective of the EU Review of Chemicals legislation must be to keep the need for animal experimentation to an absolute minimum. This should include:
	requiring companies to share information about chemicals
	prioritising chemicals for testing
	finding and validating test methods which do not require the use of animals.

International Trade (Agricultural Products)

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the reform of international trade in agricultural products.

Elliot Morley: I am delighted that the WTO Ministerial meeting in Doha last month agreed to pursue a further programme of agricultural trade reform. The agreement commits members to:
	comprehensive negotiations aimed at: substantial improvements in market access; reductions of, with a view to phasing out, all forms of export subsidies; and substantial reductions in trade-distorting domestic support. and to conclude a new Agreement on Agriculture by 1 January 2005.

Sellafield

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the representations (a) made to and (b) received from the European Commission in respect of the Sellafield MOX Plant since 1 January.

Margaret Beckett: We received two responses to our July 2001 consultation paper, Assessment of BNFL's Business Case for the Sellafield MOX Plant, from Mr. D. Taylor and Mr. M. M. Deffrennes at the European Commission. Copies of all responses to our consultation papers can be read at the DEFRA Library in Ashdown House, 123 Victoria street, London SW1.
	A copy of the responses from Messrs. Taylor and Deffrennes has been made available in the Library of the House today.

Combined Heat and Power

Paddy Tipping: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she last met the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss combined heat and power and the climate change levy.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 29 October 2001
	I am in regular contact with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a wide range of matters that affect the business of my Department. We are both members of the cabinet committee that meets to discuss environmental matters.
	In addition, my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment meets regularly with Treasury Ministers to discuss a whole range of matters related to energy and environmental policy. CHP and the climate change levy have featured in these discussions.

Combined Heat and Power

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she has taken to address the change in export of power from combined heat and power since the introduction of the new electricity trading arrangements (NETA).

Brian Wilson: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government recognise the economic difficulties faced by CHP.
	Ofgem's Report to DTI on the Review of the Initial Impact of NETA on Smaller Generators issued on 31 August 2001, indicated that the export of power from CHP has reduced by around 60 per cent. since the introduction of NETA. Ofgem suggested the lower export prices for electricity were one factor, but that higher costs (especially gas prices) may also have contributed.
	On 1 November 2001, I issued a consultation document in response to Ofgem's reports The New Electricity Trading ArrangementsReview of the First Three Months and Report to the DTI on the Review of the Initial Impact of NETA on Smaller Generators of 31 August 2001. This consultation closed on 1 December 2001.
	The Government's key proposals are, broadly, to ensure imbalance prices are genuinely cost reflective; and to ensure that effective consolidation services emerge. I have proposed setting up a working group to look at obstacles to consolidation, and to report back to me by 31 January 2002.
	The Government also invited views on other proposals put forward by industry. The Government are considering responses to this consultation carefully.
	Of course the Government welcome reductions in electricity prices but have been concerned by the effect the increase in gas prices has had on the competitiveness of industrial gas consumers, including CHP operators.
	I am actively pursuing a three-part strategy intended to address higher gas prices, including continuing to push for liberalisation across Europe, improving market functioning and tackling any anti-competitive behaviour. As part of taking forward this strategy, on 2 November 2001 I published a consultation document on gas issues entitled A consultation into Concerns About Gas Prices and Possible Improvements to Market Efficiency. This is available on the DTI website at www.dti.gov.uk/energy/ gasconsult/gascondoc.pdf.
	In addition, DEFRA is developing, in close collaboration with other Departments, a draft CHP Strategy, which will set out the measures needed to achieve the Government's target of at least 10,000 MW of installed CHP electrical capacity by 2010. This is expected to be published in the coming months.

Rural Payments Agency

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact on (a) farm cash flow and (b) farmers' livelihoods of delays in the (i) despatch and (ii) processing of (A) livestock and (B) ESA scheme claim forms and payments from the Rural Payments Agency in Worcester; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) office at Worcester closed as a processing centre at the end of October but remains open as a drop-in centre for the receipt of forms. RPA work previously undertaken at Worcester is now undertaken by other RPA offices. Agri-environment schemes are dealt with by the Rural Development Service.
	Payments of livestock claims by RPA are expected to be made within the stipulated time frames. However the impact of FMD, the need to develop computer software upgrades incorporating changes to the payment arrangements and the need to conduct FMD cross checks to establish entitlement to payment mean that rather more claims than normal will be paid towards the end of the period.
	For some ESA cases there has been a delay in despatching claim forms because of queries that need resolution. However the majority of claim forms were sent out in September. This is about one month later than normal and was due to the restructuring of ex MAFF regions. Payments are however expected to be made within the two month Citizen Charter target. Farmers' cash flows and livelihoods should not therefore be significantly affected.

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with (a) the Fresh Produce Consortium, (b) the Horticultural Development Council and (c) Government Departments on proposals to increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables by the population; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Government aim to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, including improving access and awareness, through the five-a-day programme as part of the NHS plan. This Department liaises closely with the Department of Health on many aspects of this, most notably the National School Fruit Scheme; as well as with the Fresh Produce Consortium, the Horticultural Development Council and other stakeholders. The contribution of fruit and vegetables towards a healthy diet is well recognised and setting a trend for increasing consumption will also provide welcome opportunities for growers.

Potatoes

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact of this autumn's weather conditions on the storage of this year's national potato crop; and what advice her Department has issued to growers and producers on the correct conditions for the mass storage of potatoes.

Elliot Morley: The assessment of the impact of this autumn's weather conditions, and advice to growers on potato storage, have been undertaken by the British Potato Council (BPC). This non-departmental public body was established in 1997 as a statutory levy funded development council. The BPC has kept growers informed of conditions throughout harvesting and warned of the necessity for careful store management and monitoring to overcome the effects of poor field conditions. The Council has also set up a telephone helpline to provide storage advice, published storage advice sheets and regularly updates storage advice on its website.

Hunting

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish the results of her consultation on the permit conditions to allow resumption of hunting with hounds.

Alun Michael: The period in which interested parties were invited to make comments on the permit conditions ran until 7 December. Ministers are considering the comments which have been made. The final details of the permit scheme will be published and placed in the Library of the House by the time the temporary permit system opens on 17 December.

Horticulture Research International

Bob Blizzard: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to conduct a quinquennial review of Horticulture Research International.

Margaret Beckett: I am today announcing a quinquennial review of Horticulture Research International. The terms of reference are as follows:
	To conduct an evaluation of the performance of Horticulture Research International since the last Review in 1996;
	To consider in the light of this evaluation and the views of customs and other stakeholders whether executive NDPB status remains the most cost-effective way of achieving its own and Departmental aims, as well as Government-wide aims such as those relating to science policy, sustainable development and Modernising Government. As part of the review, to consider the sponsorship arrangements between HRI and DEFRA, including funding.
	In reaching a view about HRI's status, to consider whether the current arrangements are:
	responsive to the needs of the UK horticulture industry and HRI's other stakeholders;
	financially sustainable; and
	operationally flexible so as to be able to adjust easily and quickly to changes in technology, industry requirements, consumer demands and funding opportunities.
	If the review concludes that HRI should continue to function as an NDPB, then to consider what changes, if any, are required to its Management Statement in the light of the findings of the review. If, however, the review concludes that a different delivery system would provide high quality, more effective and better value for money services, then to set out the rationale and to recommend appropriate costed options to Ministers.
	The review will be conducted by a Review Team attached to DEFRA's Science Directorate working in consultation with the Cabinet Office, Treasury and the Office of Science and Technology.
	Interested parties are invited to submit their views to the Review Team by 22 March 2002. Details of how to contact them are contained in DEFRA's news release issued today.

TREASURY

Stamp Duty

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his target for the proportion of purchases of residential properties in disadvantaged areas with stamp duty exemption for each income quintile.

Paul Boateng: No such target has been set. The areas qualifying for this stamp duty exemption were identified on the basis of each country's most recent Index of Deprivation. The effect of the exemption will be monitored and evaluated.

Financial Services and Markets Act

Jackie Lawrence: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements have been made for dealing with disciplinary cases that a regulator had started before the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 came into force on 1 December.

Ruth Kelly: The right hon. Sir Roy Beldam has been appointed President of the Interim Tribunal which has been set up under Article 86 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Transitional Provisions) (Partly Completed Procedures) Order 2001 (S.I. No. 2001/3592) to hear outstanding disciplinary cases that were started before commencement of the main provisions (N2) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Sir Roy, who became a judge in 1981, was Chairman of the Law Commission (198589), Lord Justice of Appeal (19892000) and was, up until N2, Deputy Chairman of the Securities and Futures Authority Panel of Tribunal Chairmen.

Departmental Underspending

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the provisional underspend for 200001 by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions was money allocated to improving transport infrastructure.

Andrew Smith: The 200001 Appropriation Accounts for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions will be published early in the new year.

Smuggling (Andorra)

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the incidence of smuggling from Andorra to the UK and the consequent loss to the Exchequer in each of the last five years.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 29 November 2001
	Customs do not produce estimates of the incidence or the revenue evaded related to smuggling from Andorra to the UK.

Imports (Preference)

Richard Burden: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what action is being taken by Customs and Excise to stop goods produced in illegal settlements in the west bank and Gaza being imported into the UK under preference by being labelled Made in Israel;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the implications for the work of Customs and Excise of the decisions of the European Commission regarding the import, under preference, of goods produced in illegal settlements in the west bank and Gaza but which are labelled Made in Israel;
	(3)  what action is being taken by Customs and Excise to investigate allegations that goods produced in illegal settlements in the west bank and Gaza are being imported into Britain under preference and labelled Made in Israel;
	(4)  what action is being taken by his Department to inform importers of goods produced in illegal settlements in the west bank and Gaza that they cannot use preference irrespective of whether they are labelled Made in Israel.

Paul Boateng: As part of an EC-wide exercise, Customs and Excise will be taking all appropriate steps to ensure that the origins of imports from these areas are properly declared.
	This will include providing advice to importers via the Joint Customs Consultative Committee, the Customs website, the computerised entry processing system noticeboard, and articles in trade magazines.
	Customs will also be taking steps to identify and monitor imports from these areas, will initiate post- clearance verification inquiries with the competent authorities and take appropriate action dependent on their responses.

Aggregates Levy

David Lidington: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the compliance of the aggregates levy with article 1 of the first protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the compliance of the aggregates levy with the (a) World Trade Organisation agreement on subsidiaries, (b) articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty and (c) article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 3 December 2001
	The UK Government are currently pursuing with the European Commission the state aid case for phasing in of the levy in Northern Ireland; the aggregates levy otherwise complies with the provisions of articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty.
	The aggregates levy is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights and all relevant international agreements and treaties.

Aggregates Levy

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions has he had with (a) the Quarry Products Association, (b) the British Aggregates Association and (c) other representative bodies on the subject of the proposed aggregates tax.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 5 December 2001
	The Quarry Products Association and British Aggregates Association are among the industry representatives who form part of the aggregates levy consultation group established by HM Customs and Excise. This group has met regularly since the introduction of the aggregates levy was announced.

Aggregates Levy

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what studies he has undertaken of the impact of the aggregates tax upon the international competitiveness of the United Kingdom.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 5 December 2001
	All imports will be subject to the aggregates levy. Exports of aggregate from the UK will not be subject to the levy. This will protect the international competitiveness of the UK's quarrying industry.

Aggregates Levy

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to simplify the regulations for the new aggregates tax.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 5 December 2001
	The Government will ensure that the aggregates levy regulations are as straightforward as possible.

Aggregates Levy

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish studies he has undertaken of the impact the new aggregates tax will have on public sector infrastructure projects.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 5 December 2001
	An increase in the price of aggregates will provide an incentive to use aggregates efficiently and encourage wider use of recycled aggregates, regardless of whether they are being used in public or private sector projects.

Aggregates Levy

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what evaluation he has made of the impact of the proposed aggregates tax on (a) the rural economy and (b) rural employment.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 5 December 2001
	The rural economy will benefit from the levy funded 0.1 percentage point reduction in employers' national insurance contributions and the new 35 million Sustainability Fund which will deliver local environmental benefits to areas subject to the environmental costs of aggregates extraction.

Aggregates Levy

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research the Treasury has undertaken into the impact upon Northern Ireland of the introduction of the aggregates tax.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 5 December 2001
	The Government have looked closely at the impact of the levy on the producers of processed aggregate products (such as precast concrete) in Northern Ireland and recognise that they are at greater risk of increased international competition than their mainland counterparts, because of the land boundary with the Republic of Ireland.
	As announced in the pre-Budget report, the Government are proposing to address this by phasing the levy in over five years in Northern Ireland, beginning with a complete exemption in 200203. This will provide further time for affected businesses to adapt. This is subject to EU state aid approval.

Aggregates Levy

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the full list of exemptions from the aggregates list will be published.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 5 December 2001
	Details of all the exemptions from the aggregates levy are contained within the Finance Act 2001. A list of prescribed industrial and agricultural processes which will be relieved under section 30 will be published shortly as part of the aggregates levy general regulations.

Aggregates Levy

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the reasons are for the levy of 1.60 per tonne on the extraction of (a) sand, (b) gravel and (c) rock.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 5 December 2001
	Independent research has verified that there are significant environmental costs associated with quarrying that are not already covered by regulation, including noise, dust, visual intrusion, loss of amenity and damage to biodiversity. The levy will bring about environmental benefits by making the price of aggregates better reflect their true social and environmental costs, and encouraging the use of alternative materials which would otherwise have to be landfilled, thus reducing the amount of extraction.

Aggregates Levy

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what environmental impact assessment he has undertaken of the effects of the introduction of the new aggregates tax; and if this includes the cost of the disposal of unsaleable secondary aggregates.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 5 December 2001
	Independent research has shown that there are significant environmental costs associated with quarrying which are not already covered by regulation, including noise, dust, visual intrusion, loss of amenity and damage to biodiversity. The levy will make the price of aggregates better reflect these social and environmental costs and encourage efficient use of aggregates, as well as the increased use of recycled aggregates and other alternatives to virgin aggregate, thus reducing the amount of extraction.
	In the pre-Budget report the Government announced that in consultation with the aggregates industry, they are examining proposals to deliver additional environmental benefits through the aggregates levy by encouraging the use of aggregates waste.

VAT

David Lidington: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the implication of judgment of the European Court of Justice against the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Case C-338/98) for (a) the policy of HM Customs and Excise with regard to input-VAT deductions for taxable employers on the expenses of their employees and (b) annual irrecoverable VAT revenue for HM Treasury; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 5 December 2001
	Customs and Excise are exploring the implications of this decision with the European Commission, and will consider whether any changes are required to ensure the UK's VAT rules are compatible. The Government will consult UK businesses closely about these implications, but are not prepared to impose any unnecessary costs or burdens on them. In the meantime, UK businesses can continue to rely on current UK law, policy and practice.

VAT

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the ratio of value added tax receipts to consumptions was, setting out the variation between the forecast VAT/ consumption ratio and its actual outturn, in each of the last four years; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 6 December 2001
	As the hon. Member will be aware, since pre-Budget 1997 the VAT receipts forecast is governed by a National Audit Office assumption that the VAT/Consumers' Expenditure ratio declines by 0.05 per cent. per year.
	
		VAT/consumers' expenditure ratio
		
			  Implied by forecasts for respective Budgets  Ratio outturns 
		
		
			 199798 9.69 9.51 
			 199899 9.77 9.24 
			 19992000 9.46 9.44 
			 200001 9.59 9.36

Amateur Sports Clubs

John Greenway: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  if the tax relief he proposes to extend to community and amateur sports clubs will include mandatory relief from business rates;
	(2)  pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Loughborough (Mr. Reed) of 30 November 2001, Official Report, column 1150W, on sports clubs, if he will list the taxes paid by community and amateur sports clubs on which he intends to grant tax relief.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 6 December 2001
	Community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) pay a range of taxes depending on their circumstances. The Government recognise the valuable and important role CASCs play in promoting the health and cohesion of their local communities. The consultation document Promoting Sport in the Community seeks views on the best way for tax relief to help CASCs that make a positive contribution to their local communities, and is held in the House Library.

Amateur Sports Clubs

Kate Hoey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what assessment has been made of the number of community amateur sports clubs which would qualify for (a) charitable status and (b) Inland Revenue administered tax relief under the proposals contained in the consultation paper;
	(2)  what criteria, additional to those required by Inland Revenue administered tax relief a community amateur sports club must comply with to qualify for charity status under the proposals contained in the consultation paper.

David Lidington: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the revenue which will be forgone following implementation of the Charity Commission's proposals on community amateur sports clubs;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the total revenue which would be forgone if the Government implemented their proposals to reform the taxation of community amateur sports clubs as set out in paragraphs 2122 of Promoting Sport in the Community.

Paul Boateng: The consultation document Promoting Sport in the Community seeks views on the best way to help CASCs that make a positive contribution to their local communities. The cost and number of clubs which would qualify depend upon the outcome of the consultation.
	The Charity Commission has decided to recognise as charitable
	the promotion of community participation in healthy recreation by the provision of facilities for the playing of particular sports. CASCs would need to meet the Charity Commission requirements to qualify for charitable status. The revenue forgone will depend upon the number of clubs given charitable status.

Drug/Tobacco Smuggling

David Ruffley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis Customs and Excise allocate staff members to tackle (a) drug trafficking and (b) tobacco smuggling; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: The Law Enforcement function of HM Customs and Excise presently has around 7,000 staffbased across the UK and overseasand broadly divided between detection, investigation and intelligence arms. A great many of these staff, particularly uniformed officers at ports and airports, are trained to act multifunctionally in order to deal with detections of drugs, tobacco and all other contrabands. Customs deploys its enforcement staff on a flexible resourcing-to-risk basis with a view to delivering the strategic outcomes to which it is committed in the drugs and tobacco areas as well as meeting its commitments in other tax fraud and criminal areas in which it has a responsibility. National, regional and local intelligence assessments inform the day-to-day allocation of resources to specific tasks at specific locations.

Climate Change Levy

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to assess the impact of the climate change levy on employment in the manufacturing sector.

Paul Boateng: The climate change levy only became operational in April this year and the first payments are still being received by Customs and Excise. It is too early to assess its impact.
	However, the impact on any specific sector will depend on a number of factors, including:
	The future energy consumption of firms in the sector and the use they make of levy funded energy efficiency support.
	Employment levels in those sectors and the benefits received from the levy funded national insurance contribution cuts.
	The number of energy intensive firms in that sector that are eligible to receive a discount on the main rates of the levy by signing up to an energy efficiency agreement.
	The use that firms in that sector make of electricity generated from levy exempt 'new' renewable sources of energy and combined heat and power.

Entrepreneurs

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what has been the total cost of researching and producing the book on entrepreneurs referred to in the Budget Red Book 2000, HC 346, para. 3.73;
	(2)  if he will place in the Library a copy of the book on entrepreneurs referred to in the Budget Red Book 2000, HC 346, para. 3.73;
	(3)  on what date he commenced writing the book on entrepreneurs referred to in the Budget Red Book 2000, HC 346, para. 3.73.

Paul Boateng: A range of options for the format of the publication, including book and magazine styles, is currently under consideration. As these matters are still under consideration the book has not yet been published and no costs have yet been incurred.

Manufacturing Investment

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the most recent figures relating to manufacturing investment;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of recent trends in the level of manufacturing investment in the economy.

Paul Boateng: The world economy is experiencing its first synchronised slowdown for three decades, and the Government fully appreciate that manufacturers are exposed to faltering global demand and heightened uncertainty. In these circumstances it is more vital than ever that we maintain the conditions for domestic growth and stability that our macroeconomic frameworks have established.

Ministerial Meetings

Adam Price: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when was the last meeting between Treasury Ministers and Ministers of the National Assembly for Wales.

Andrew Smith: Treasury Ministers meet on occasion with Ministers of the National Assembly for Wales.

Trader Fraud (VAT)

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the methodology used to calculate value added tax missing trader fraud in 200001.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 6 December 2001
	I refer the hon. Gentleman to pages 18 and 19 of the Customs and Excise paper Measuring Indirect Tax Fraud that was published on 27 November 2001, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

Scientists and Engineers

Robert Key: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  when he will publish the review by Sir Gareth Roberts into the supply of scientists and engineers; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  if he will list the main areas in which the Roberts Review into the supply of scientists and engineers will make recommendations.

Paul Boateng: Sir Gareth Roberts is expected to send his final report to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in February 2002, at which time arrangements will be made to publish the report.
	Chapter 3 of the 2001 pre-Budget report included a section that set out the main areas that Sir Gareth Roberts has indicated he intends to cover in his recommendations. Copies of the pre-Budget report are available in the Library. Additional information relating to Sir Gareth Roberts' Review was included in a document, Review of the Supply of Scientists and Engineers; A Summary of the Responses to the June 2001 Consultation Paper, published alongside the pre-Budget report. Copies of this document, too, are available in the Library.
	The Government welcome the independent assessment provided by Sir Gareth and look forward to receiving his proposals for addressing issues highlighted by the review.

Care of the Elderly

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with members of the Scottish Executive since 3 May on free care for the elderly in Scotland; and what was the outcome of such discussions.

Andrew Smith: Discussions take place on occasion between the Treasury and the Scottish Executive on a number of issues. Free care for the elderly in Scotland is a devolved matter which the Scottish Executive are responsible for taking forward.

Barnett Formula

Patsy Calton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Barnett formula was last reviewed as regards Northern Ireland funding, with particular reference to regeneration in areas of civil disturbance; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Smith: The funding arrangements for the devolved Administrations, including the Barnett formula, were published in the updated Statement of Funding Policy in July 2000. It is for the Northern Ireland Executive to decide how to allocate their assigned budget.

VAT (Education)

Peter Viggers: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the reasons underlying his policy on charging VAT on the operations of (a) further education colleges and (b) schools.

Paul Boateng: VAT is not charged on the educational operations of further education colleges and schools.

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by his Department were the subject of a holding answer in the last three sessions of Parliament.

Paul Boateng: The proportion of named day written questions answered substantively on the nominated day is as follows:
	
		
			  Percentage 
		
		
			 199899 35 
			 19992000 59 
			 200001 63 
			 200102(44) 71 
		
	
	(44) To date

Customs Union

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which areas within the European Union are not part of the Customs Union.

Paul Boateng: The treaty establishing the European Community applies to the 15 member states and their territories as set out in Article 299. The extent of the customs territory of the Community is set out in Article 3 of the Community Customs Code (Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2913/92).
	Article 3 lists the following exclusions from the customs territory:
	the Faroe Islands and Greenland;
	the Island of Heligoland and the territory of Busingen;
	Ceuta and Melilla;
	the French overseas territories and 'collectivits territorials';
	the municipalities of Livigno and Campione d'Italia and the national waters of Lake Lugano which are between the bank and the political frontier of the area between Ponte Tresa and Porto Ceresio.
	In addition, the Customs Code does not apply to territories for whose external relations a member state is responsible, such as Gibraltar.

Sport Clubs

David Lidington: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when HM Customs and Excise intends to issue revised guidance on the implications of VAT for sport clubs and associations.

Paul Boateng: Customs and Excise are currently modernising their external guidance and making it available on the internet. A new version of the VAT Notice for sports clubs will be published early in 2002.

Correspondence

Simon Burns: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many, and what proportion of letters received by the Department from hon. and right hon. Members between 20 June and 20 July were replied to in (a) under 15, (b) under 20, (c) under 30, (d) under 40 and (e) over 40 working days.

Paul Boateng: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 3 December 2001, Official Report, column 63W.

London Underground

Tom Brake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations the Treasury has made to (a) London Underground and (b) the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions on the incentive regime for public-private partnership in the last three months.

Andrew Smith: Treasury, DTLR and London Underground officials are in regular contact about various aspects of the PPP. London Underground is responsible for negotiating the PPP contracts.

Tobacco

Michael Howard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the annual volume of (a) cigarettes, (b) cigars and (c) rolling tobacco legally brought into the United Kingdom by other EU nationals for their personal use on short-stay visits in the UK.

Paul Boateng: Customs does not produce estimates of the annual volumes of tobacco products legally brought into the UK by other EU nationals on short-stay visits.

Railtrack

Howard Flight: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer where the debts of Railtrack will appear in the national accounts if Railtrack is in administration next April.

Andrew Smith: Railtrack is a private sector company. During administration it will continue to be classified to the private sector in national accounts. Its debts will be recorded as a financial liability in the balance sheet of the private corporations sector.

Railtrack

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what representations he has received from (a) British and (b) foreign public sector investors regarding the administration of Railtrack;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the likely impact on the level of US investment in the United Kingdom that will result from the impact on US investors affected by the administration of Railtrack;
	(3)  what representations he has received from (a) US investors, (b) US investment companies and (c) US investor representative bodies regarding the administration of Railtrack;
	(4)  what assessment he has made of the impact the administration of Railtrack on US investors will have on the terms on which future US investment is made in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Smith: Treasury Ministers receive representations from organisations outside the Government on a regular basis. DTLR has lead responsibility for matters relating to Railtrack.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Asylum Seekers

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the decision was taken to place all HIV positive applicants for (a) leave to remain and (b) asylum in a group awaiting policy guidance; and how many such cases there now are (i) in total and (ii) in each category of applicants.

Angela Eagle: The policy on handling applications for leave to remain by overseas nationals on the basis of being HIV positive or suffering from AIDS was reviewed last year in the light of recent developments in drug therapy and to take account of developments in European Convention on Human Rights case law. A decision was taken in September 2000 to stockpile about 80 cases pending clarification of the new policy. These have now been considered and a further 258 applications have been received.
	There are no parallel arrangements to deal with asylum applicants who may be HIV positive.

Asylum Seekers

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are in place to ensure that applicants for asylum who are refused permission to stay and who disappear from the system are (a) caught and (b) deported.

Angela Eagle: We are taking a range of measures to apprehend and remove failed asylum seekers. These include a substantial increase in the number of caseworkers and immigration officers engaged on removals work, expansion of the detention estate, creation of additional immigration arrest teams and development of a network of reporting centres.

Asylum Seekers

Peter Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many sites for accommodation centres for asylum seekers have now been identified; where they are located; and when the location of the others will be secured.

Angela Eagle: Further to the Home Secretary's statement to the House on 29 October, the Home Office plans to establish a number of accommodation centres for asylum seekers with a total capacity of 3,000. My officials are currently looking at a number of potential sites, but no decisions have yet been taken.

Asylum Seekers

Peter Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of his Department's preferred providers of accommodation for asylum seekers there are; and what conditions they must (a) fulfil and (b) maintain in order to qualify for their status.

Angela Eagle: The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) has 21 contracted accommodation providers. All contractors are expected to fulfil the terms of their contract. Contracted accommodation must meet a strict specification laid down by NASS in consultation with others including the Refugee Council. The NASS Housing Management Team conducts random inspections of properties throughout the country on a weekly basis. In addition NASS Contract Managers are responsible for ensuring that contractual obligations are met.

Asylum Seekers

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers were held in Wandsworth Prison on 26 November.

Angela Eagle: The latest available information on the number of persons detained under Immigration Act powers relates to 30 September 2001. As at that date, 60 persons (to the nearest five) who are recorded as having claimed asylum at some stage were being held in Her Majesty's Prison Wandsworth, which includes 15 persons detained under dual Immigration Act and other powers.
	Under the withdrawal plan, no new cases have been sent to Her Majesty's Prison Wandsworth since 12 November, and it is currently planned to withdraw totally from the prison by 15 December.
	Information on Immigration Act detainees as at 31 December 2001 will be published on 28 February 2002 on the Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate web site at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ rds/immigration1.html.

Asylum Seekers

Adrian Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average time for processing a visa for indefinite stay in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000 and (e) 2001 to date; and how many staff were employed processing visa applications other than for asylum seekers in each year from 1997 to 2001.

Angela Eagle: The average time, in days, to decide applications for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom was 53 in 1997 and 72 in 1998. The average time excludes those cases where indefinite leave to remain is refused but limited leave is granted in some capacity. Comparable data for later years are not available.
	The number of staff in post, full-time equivalent, to process after entry applications, excluding asylum applications, was 402 in 2000 and 462 in 2001. Earlier figures are not available as the casework functions were not broken down to enable identification of work.

Immigration and Nationality Directorate

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many civil servants have been seconded from other Government Departments to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate this year to help reduce the immigration casework backlog; and at what Civil Service grade.

Angela Eagle: There are currently 18 staff on loan to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate as a whole from other Government Departments, helping it to achieve its key business objectives. The grades (or equivalents) are as follows: four members of the Senior Civil Service, one Grade Six, five Grade Sevens, six Senior Executive Officers, one Higher Executive Officer (D) and one Higher Executive Officer.

Immigration and Nationality Directorate

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by how many caseworkers at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate have been increased in the last 12 months.

Angela Eagle: The number of caseworkers in the Integrated Casework Directorate (the casework directorate of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate) increased by 463 between 19 February 2001 and 31 October 2001. Information to distinguish casework staff was not collected prior to 19 February.

Art and Antiques Squad

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what resources have been provided since 1999 to finance the Art and Antiques Squad and the national database relating to stolen works of art.

John Denham: The only police art and antiques unit is that operated by the Metropolitan police, which is financed from the general resources provided to the Metropolitan Police Service. There is no national database relating to stolen works of art, although the Metropolitan police art and antiques unit does maintain a database of stolen works of art which may be used to provide information for other police forces.

Metropolitan Police

Sydney Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Metropolitan police officers left the service in the last month for which figures are available; and how many of these (a) retired for reasons other than sickness, (b) retired sick, (c) transferred to another police force and (d) left early to take other employment.

John Denham: holding answer 5 December 2001
	The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that the number of officers set out in the table left the Metropolitan Police Service in October 2001.
	
		
			 Reason for leaving Number(45) 
		
		
			 Retirement 43.5 
			 Medical retirement 9.67 
			 Transfer to another force 39.36 
			 Resignation 42.15 
			 Other 8.0 
			  
			 Total 142.7 
		
	
	(45) Full-time equivalents
	The force does not hold information to show how many of those who resigned did so in order to take other employment.

Metropolitan Police

Sydney Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Metropolitan police recruits there were undertaking 18 weeks training and 10 weeks street duty course in the last month for which figures are available.

John Denham: holding answer 5 December 2001
	The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that on 23 November 2001 (the date of the last passing out parade) there were 933 recruits undertaking the 18 week training course.
	I understand that the Metropolitan Police Service does not keep central records of the number of officers undertaking the 10 week street duty course.

Visa Applications

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 28 November 2001, Official Report, column 958W, if he will investigate the handling of Mrs. Allen's case.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 5 December 2001
	I am satisfied that Mrs. Allen's case has been dealt with in accordance with established procedures.

Correspondence

Robert Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will reply to the letter of 25 September from the hon. Member for Poole on behalf of Avtaz Singh, reference 51037677.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 6 December 2001
	We are considering the representations made by the hon. Member and expect to reply to his letter soon.

Correspondence

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many and what proportion of letters received by his Department between 20 June and 20 July were replied to (a) in under 15, (b) in under 20, (c) in under 30, (d) in under 40 and (e) in over 40 working days;
	(2)  how many, and what proportion of letters received by the Department from right hon. and hon. Members between 20 June and 20 July were replied to in (a) under 15, (b) under 20, (c) under 30, (d) under 40 and (e) over 40 working days.

David Blunkett: holding answer 3 December 2001
	The available information on public correspondence relates solely to volumes and the number and proportion of replies sent within target. The information is not held in such a way to provide the more detailed breakdown requested. The volume of letters received from members of the public between 20 June and 20 July was 3,556. Of those, 2,736 or 76 per cent. were replied to within the target of 20 days.
	The following tables give the information requested for MPs' correspondence. Information on letters on Immigration and Nationality matters, which make up roughly half the postbag, is set out in Table B. Non- Immigration and Nationality correspondence is set out in Table A.
	
		Table A: Letters from MPs received between 20 June and 20 July (non-Immigration and Nationality correspondence)
		
			  Number Percentage 
		
		
			 Number and percentage of replies:   
			 Under 15 days 189 40 
			 Under 20 days 266 57 
			 Under 30 days 380 81 
			 Under 40 days 416 89 
			 Over 40 days 52 11 
		
	
	
		Table B: Letters from MPs received between 20 June and 20 July (Immigration and Nationality matters)
		
			  Number Percentage 
		
		
			 Number and percentage of replies:   
			 Under 15 days 199 22 
			 Under 20 days 334 37 
			 Under 30 days 414 46 
			 Under 40 days 455 51 
			 Over 40 days 445 49 
		
	
	My Department receives large amounts of correspondence from hon. Members and members of the public. We aim to send a substantive reply to all letters as soon as possible. I am determined to achieve a high level of performance in dealing quickly with correspondence.
	We are working with our Information Technology partners to develop next year a Customer Contact Centre which will radically change the way we handle letters, e-mails and telephone inquiries. In the short term we are implementing a number of organisational and process changes to bring about improvements in the quality and timeliness of replies and to prepare for the Contact Centre.

Police Response Vehicles

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police response vehicles have been in road accidents while on operational duty in (a) 1994, (b) 1995, (c) 1996, (d) 1997, (e) 1998, (f) 1999 and (g) 2000; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: The table sets out, from police force returns to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, the number of accidents involving police vehicles which were engaged in immediate/emergency response or pursuit at the time of the accident.
	
		
			 Year Number of accidents 
		
		
			 199495 5,386 
			 199596 6,611 
			 199697 4,972 
			 199798 5,057 
			 199899 5,037 
			 19992000 5,382 
			 200001 5,969 
		
	
	Note:
	Four forces did not submit a return in 199495, two forces in 199596, two forces in 199697, and one force in 200001.
	Chief officers of police share fully the Government's view that everything possible must be done to minimise the risk of accidents involving police vehicles, while recognising the need to ensure a prompt response to emergencies. The police are taking forward a number of initiatives to help to achieve this, including the implementation of recommendations from an Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) report on police pursuit driver training. In addition, ACPO has produced a guide to pursuit management to be used by forces, and a new police driver training course, launched December last year, introduced a universal standard for driving in England and Wales which recognises the need to give priority to public safety above all other considerations.
	It is police practice to consider continuously the consequences of a pursuit and whether to break it off. Other operational measures employed to avoid or curtail pursuits include the use of helicopters, the early deployment of tyre deflation devices across the carriageway, and the use of tactical pursuit and containment, where a number of police vehicles box in a target vehicle to bring it safely to a halt.

Prison Officer Housing Units

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prison officer housing units are available for allocation to prison officers in England and Wales.

Beverley Hughes: Entitlement to occupy quarters was ended for Prison Officers in 1987. Since that time quarters have been sold either to occupying officers under discount sales schemes or, where vacant on the open market. Fifty quarters are retained for occupation by Chaplains who continue to have a quarter entitlement. Also, approximately 400 quarters retained on security or operational grounds are available for occupation by prison staff, and these are reallocated by Governors upon becoming vacant.

Sri Lankan Tamils

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Sri Lankan Tamils are being held in (a) detention centres and (b) prisons in the United Kingdom awaiting removal from the UK for immigration offences; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The latest available information on persons detained under Immigration Act powers relates to 30 September 2001. The number of Sri Lankans being held in detention centres and prisons as at that date is given in the table.
	
		
			 Place of detention Sri Lankan Immigration Act detainees as at 30 September 2001(46) 
		
		
			 Immigration detention centres 10 
			 Dedicated Immigration Service wings(47) 20 
			 Prison establishments(48) 20 
			 Total persons detained in detention centres and prisons(48) 55 
		
	
	(46) Figures rounded to the nearest five, and may not sum due to rounding. Excludes persons detained at Oakington Reception Centre.
	(47) Persons detained at the dedicated Immigration Service wings at Haslar, Lindholme and Rochester.
	(48) Includes 10 persons detained under dual immigration and other powers.
	It is not possible to separately identify how many of these persons are Sri Lankan Tamils. Information on how many of these persons were awaiting removal from the United Kingdom for immigration offences on 30 September 2001 is not available and could be obtained only by examining individual case files at disproportionate cost.
	Information on Immigration Act detainees as at 31 December 2001 will be published on 28 February 2002 on the Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate website at http: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/ immigration1.html.

Rape

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of rape were reported in England and Wales in 2000 that resulted in charges being made against the alleged perpetrators.

Keith Bradley: The requested details are not collected centrally. Of the 8,593 offences of rape recorded in England and Wales in the year ending March 2001, 3,992 were detected. During the 2000 calendar year a total of 2,046 individuals were proceeded against at magistrates courts for rape. As the recorded crime figure relates to offences, and the proceedings figure relates to individuals, who may be prosecuted for more than one rape offence, these figures are not directly comparable.
	Home Office Research Study 196 'A question of evidence? Investigating and prosecuting rape in the 1990s' found that 42 per cent. of a sample of recorded cases of rape of a female in 1996 resulted in a charge.

Police Corruption

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers were cautioned in the course of an investigation for corruption in (a) 1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998, (d) 1999 and (e) 2000.

John Denham: The information required to answer this question is not held centrally and to seek this information from all police forces would involve a disproportionate cost.

Hoax Emergency Calls

Linda Perham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of hoax calls to the emergency services he estimates to be made from mobile telephones; and if he will require mobile telephone operators to co-operate with the investigation and prosecution of hoax callers.

John Denham: Making a hoax call to the emergency services constitutes improper use of a public telecommunication system and is an offence under section 43 of the Telecommunications Act 1984. Data on the number of prosecutions for malicious abuse of the public telephone system are not collected centrally.
	Accidental calls, characterised by silence on being answered, account for some 20 per cent. of 999 calls. Silent calls are now routed to a recorded message requiring confirmation that emergency services are required. Oftel is working with manufacturers to improve mobile phone design to reduce the risk of accidental engagement of 999.

Public Service Agreements

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress towards the public service agreement target for reducing the fear of crime.

John Denham: The target is to ensure that by 2004 levels of fear of crime in the key categories of violent crime, burglary and car crime are lower than in 2001. The measure is the British Crime Survey, and the 2001 survey provides us with a baseline against which to measure progress against this target. The 2001 baseline is: 22.3 per cent. of the population fear violent crime; 16.5 per cent. fear burglary and 18.5 per cent. fear car crime.
	Tackling the fear of crime is critical to improving the quality of life for many. The British Crime Survey shows that fear of crime has been falling in the key crime categories over a number of years, although we know that some individuals, communities or groups may be more susceptible to fear than others. Our crime reduction programme aims to secure substantial reductions in the level of fear of crime by 2004, as we achieve real reductions in actual crime levels.

Police Complaints

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints were (a) registered and (b) upheld and what the level of complaints was as a percentage of the effective strength of each police constabulary in the United Kingdom in each of the last five years.

John Denham: Available information is for England and Wales only. Complaints and discipline statistics are published annually in a Home Office Statistical Bulletin. The latest statistics relating to 200001 were published on 14 November 2001 in issue number 21/01. Details are given in the tables.
	
		Complaints received by the police
		
			   199697 199798 199899 19992000 200001 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 976 1,035 852 871 845 
			 Bedfordshire 217 247 161 207 194 
			 Cambridgeshire 458 473 410 390 281 
			 Cheshire 489 600 597 556 495 
			 Cleveland 375 342 326 400 318 
			 Cumbria 419 315 289 286 283 
			 Derbyshire 384 443 400 421 298 
			 Devon and Cornwall 760 911 798 645 704 
			 Dorset 185 164 165 239 267 
			 Durham 166 163 181 168 181 
			 Essex 573 559 510 538 549 
			 Gloucestershire 323 328 272 296 258 
			 Greater Manchester 2,149 2,181 2,211 2,281 1,807 
			 Hampshire 948 897 654 594 523 
			 Hertfordshire 312 466 416 502 491 
			 Humberside 431 444 425 410 364 
			 Kent 657 675 624 678 620 
			 Lancashire 886 848 850 918 682 
			 Leicestershire 292 266 280 315 333 
			 Lincolnshire 169 141 310 328 313 
			 London City of 133 126 69 63 60 
			 Merseyside 2,028 2,270 1,429 1,312 911 
			 Metropolitan Police 9,122 8,037 7,154 6,611 5,830 
			 Norfolk 423 519 326 433 365 
			 Northamptonshire 294 331 256 212 221 
			 Northumbria 650 671 629 668 661 
			 North Yorkshire 370 343 363 441 441 
			 Nottinghamshire 754 812 689 817 770 
			 South Yorkshire 473 454 551 666 582 
			 Staffordshire 587 598 511 629 803 
			 Suffolk 287 308 268 374 229 
			 Surrey 497 561 639 477 460 
			 Sussex 864 1,076 1,153 1,734 1,814 
			 Thames Valley 742 604 768 756 768 
			 Warwickshire 165 180 206 194 205 
			 West Mercia 506 517 454 578 410 
			 West Midlands 1,681 1,676 1,590 1,868 1,884 
			 West Yorkshire 966 864 796 871 795 
			 Wiltshire 162 185 259 230 266 
			 Dyfed-Powys 202 183 180 148 157 
			 Gwent 427 446 505 557 487 
			 North Wales 392 353 381 439 297 
			 South Wales 965 723 752 733 747 
			   
			 England and Wales 33,859 33,335 30,659 31,854 28,969 
		
	
	
		Complaints against the police upheld
		
			  199697 199798 199899 19992000 200001 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 15 26 28 16 27 
			 Bedfordshire 14 3 11 9 6 
			 Cambridgeshire 23 42 15 28 18 
			 Cheshire 16 11 17 11 10 
			 Cleveland 13 2 12 0 5 
			 Cumbria 2 1 7 7 0 
			 Derbyshire 26 5 8 2 7 
			 Devon and Cornwall 14 38 26 24 22 
			 Dorset 3 6 7 3 5 
			 Durham 7 5 1 5 4 
			 Essex 14 22 25 6 12 
			 Gloucestershire 12 12 3 11 5 
			 Greater Manchester 22 20 20 30 40 
			 Hampshire 30 22 24 22 20 
			 Hertfordshire 15 12 10 8 20 
			 Humberside 8 18 9 14 14 
			 Kent 27 26 24 26 63 
			 Lancashire 30 12 15 13 26 
			 Leicestershire 10 15 10 5 13 
			 Lincolnshire 12 6 6 5 7 
			 London City of 7 5 6 4 3 
			 Merseyside 11 7 12 6 36 
			 Metropolitan Police 203 236 146 168 138 
			 Norfolk 26 11 28 11 17 
			 Northamptonshire 9 1 6 9 7 
			 Northumbria 8 12 6 3 12 
			 North Yorkshire 13 10 27 20 16 
			 Nottinghamshire 15 13 1 12 26 
			 South Yorkshire 3 13 11 18 14 
			 Staffordshire 7 9 6 20 34 
			 Suffolk 12 11 24 11 5 
			 Surrey 7 5 17 7 17 
			 Sussex 33 23 31 54 79 
			 Thames Valley 27 32 23 37 45 
			 Warwickshire 6 6 4 6 9 
			 West Mercia 14 6 23 13 11 
			 West Midlands 23 61 47 26 38 
			 West Yorkshire 54 26 13 13 19 
			 Wiltshire 2 27 5 3 11 
			 Dyfed-Powys 1 3 1 5 4 
			 Gwent 7 3 5 3 8 
			 North Wales 5 9 14 7 13 
			 South Wales 28 17 11 13 17 
			   
			 England and Wales 834 850 745 714 903 
		
	
	
		Complaints received as a percentage of police strength
		
			   199697 199798 199899 19992000 200001 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 33 35 29 29 29 
			 Bedfordshire 19 23 15 20 19 
			 Cambridgeshire 37 36 32 31 23 
			 Cheshire 24 29 29 27 25 
			 Cleveland 26 23 22 28 23 
			 Cumbria 38 28 25 25 26 
			 Derbyshire 22 25 23 24 17 
			 Devon and Cornwall 26 32 27 22 25 
			 Dorset 15 13 13 19 20 
			 Durham 12 11 12 11 12 
			 Essex 20 19 17 19 20 
			 Gloucestershire 29 29 25 27 23 
			 Greater Manchester 31 32 32 33 27 
			 Hampshire 28 26 19 17 15 
			 Hertfordshire 18 26 24 29 28 
			 Humberside 21 22 21 21 19 
			 Kent 21 21 19 21 19 
			 Lancashire 28 26 26 28 21 
			 Leicestershire 15 14 14 16 17 
			 Lincolnshire 15 12 26 29 28 
			 London City of 15 15 8 8 8 
			 Merseyside 46 54 34 31 22 
			 Metropolitan Police 33 30 27 25 23 
			 Norfolk 30 36 23 31 26 
			 Northamptonshire 26 28 22 19 20 
			 Northumbria 18 18 17 17 17 
			 North Yorkshire 28 26 27 33 34 
			 Nottinghamshire 33 35 30 37 35 
			 South Yorkshire 15 14 17 21 18 
			 Staffordshire 27 27 22 28 37 
			 Suffolk 25 26 23 31 20 
			 Surrey 30 35 40 29 26 
			 Sussex 28 35 38 61 64 
			 Thames Valley 20 16 20 20 21 
			 Warwickshire 17 19 22 21 23 
			 West Mercia 25 25 23 29 22 
			 West Midlands 24 24 22 26 26 
			 West Yorkshire 19 17 15 17 16 
			 Wiltshire 13 16 22 20 24 
			 Dyfed-Powys 20 18 18 14 15 
			 Gwent 41 36 41 45 39 
			 North Wales 28 26 27 32 21 
			 South Wales 32 24 25 25 26 
			   
			 England and Wales 27 27 25 26 24 
		
	
	
		Complaints upheld as a percentage of police strength
		
			  199697 199798 199899 19992000 200001 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 0.50 0.87 0.94 0.53 0.92 
			 Bedfordshire 1.24 0.27 1.02 0.86 0.58 
			 Cambridgeshire 1.86 3.23 1.16 2.20 1.46 
			 Cheshire 0.80 0.54 0.83 0.53 0.50 
			 Cleveland 0.92 0.14 0.81 0.00 0.36 
			 Cumbria 0.18 0.09 0.60 0.62 0.00 
			 Derbyshire 1.47 0.28 0.45 0.11 0.39 
			 Devon and Cornwall 0.48 1.33 0.88 0.83 0.77 
			 Dorset 0.24 0.47 0.53 0.23 0.38 
			 Durham 0.50 0.34 0.07 0.32 0.26 
			 Essex 0.49 0.74 0.85 0.21 0.43 
			 Gloucestershire 1.06 1.06 0.27 1.00 0.45 
			 Greater Manchester 0.32 0.29 0.29 0.44 0.59 
			 Hampshire 0.90 0.64 0.69 0.63 0.58 
			 Hertfordshire 0.88 0.68 0.57 0.46 1.13 
			 Humberside 0.39 0.88 0.45 0.71 0.72 
			 Kent 0.87 0.80 0.74 0.81 1.97 
			 Lancashire 0.95 0.37 0.46 0.40 0.82 
			 Leicestershire 0.52 0.77 0.50 0.25 0.65 
			 Lincolnshire 1.05 0.50 0.50 0.44 0.63 
			 London City of 0.81 0.58 0.73 0.51 0.41 
			 Merseyside 0.25 0.17 0.28 0.14 0.88 
			 Metropolitan Police 0.74 0.88 0.56 0.64 0.54 
			 Norfolk 1.86 0.77 1.96 0.80 1.23 
			 Northamptonshire 0.78 0.08 0.51 0.79 0.63 
			 Northumbria 0.22 0.33 0.16 0.08 0.32 
			 North Yorkshire 0.98 0.75 1.97 1.50 1.25 
			 Nottinghamshire 0.65 0.56 0.04 0.54 1.18 
			 South Yorkshire 0.10 0.41 0.35 0.57 0.44 
			 Staffordshire 0.32 0.41 0.26 0.89 1.57 
			 Suffolk 1.05 0.93 2.02 0.92 0.44 
			 Surrey 0.43 0.31 1.06 0.42 0.95 
			 Sussex 1.07 0.75 1.03 1.90 2.80 
			 Thames Valley 0.73 0.87 0.61 0.99 1.20 
			 Warwickshire 0.61 0.65 0.43 0.66 1.00 
			 West Mercia 0.69 0.29 1.14 0.64 0.58 
			 West Midlands 0.32 0.86 0.66 0.36 0.53 
			 West Yorkshire 1.05 0.50 0.25 0.26 0.39 
			 Wiltshire 0.16 2.34 0.43 0.26 0.98 
			 Dyfed-Powys 0.10 0.30 0.10 0.49 0.38 
			 Gwent 0.67 0.24 0.41 0.24 0.63 
			 North Wales 0.36 0.66 1.00 0.50 0.93 
			 South Wales 0.93 0.57 0.37 0.44 0.58 
			   
			 England and Wales 0.67 0.68 0.60 0.58 0.74 
		
	
	Note:
	Police strength as of 31 March before the beginning of each financial year

Ethnic Minority Police Officers (Coventry)

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers there are in Coventry; how many are from ethnic minorities; and what measures there are to encourage more people into the police service.

John Denham: I understand from the chief constable of West Midlands police that there are 830 police officers in Coventry and that 33 are from the ethnic minorities.
	The Crime Fighting Fund was established to provide chief officers with resources to recruit 9,000 extra officers, over and above their previous recruitment plans for the three-year period from April 2000 to March 2003. West Midlands police has been allocated 523 Crime Fighting Fund recruits over the three years.
	The first ever National Recruitment Campaign for the police service was launched in August last year to assist forces to meet their recruitment targets. By 25 November 2001 there had been more than 45,000 expressions of interest in joining the police service. 1,837 of these have been passed to West Midlands police for further action.

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by his Department were the subject of a holding answer in the last three Sessions of Parliament.

David Blunkett: In the last three parliamentary Sessions, 4,749 named day parliamentary questions (the only type for which holding replies are used) have been tabled to the Home Office. Of these, 1,015or 21 per cent.were given a holding answer. The figures for each session are given in the table.
	
		
			  Session Percentage of answers given holding replies 
		
		
			 199899 15 
			 19992000 21 
			 200001 30

Parliamentary Questions

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the question from the hon. Member for Beckenham of 14 November (ref. 16179)

David Blunkett: I am replying to the question from the hon. Member today. I apologise for the delay.

Styal Women's Prison

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inmates there were in Styal women's prison in each of the last 20 years.

Beverley Hughes: The information requested is set out in the table.
	
		Number of prisoners in Styal prison 30 June 1982 to 2001
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1982 226 
			 1983 239 
			 1984 278 
			 1985 261 
			 1986 270 
			 1987 276 
			 1988 272 
			 1989 226 
			 1990 186 
			 1991 193 
			 1992 196 
			 1993 175 
			 1994 226 
			 1995 237 
			 1996 249 
			 1997 267 
			 1998 281 
			 1999 446 
			 2000 449 
			 2001 424 
		
	
	The step change in population from 281 in 1998 to 446 in 1999 was due to the opening of an additional houseblock in April 1999 and the transfer of prisoners from Risley.

Departmental Expenditure (Scotland)

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list, in real terms, for each year since 1979 (a) the total sums of money spent directly by his Department in Scotland and (b) the total sums of money allocated by his Department for spending in Scotland through (i) the Scottish Office, (ii) the Scotland Office and (iii) the Scottish Executive.

David Blunkett: The information requested is not readily available. Public expenditure information by territory and function is available in the Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA) 200102 (Cm 5101) for the years 199596 to 19992000, and earlier years are available in previous PESA publications. Copies of these publications are available in the Library.
	My Department does not allocate money for spending in Scotland through the Scottish Office, the Scotland Office or the Scottish Executive.

Dungavel Detention Centre

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if employees of local authorities who carry out duties within Dungavel Detention Centre have (a) been fingerprinted and (b) had photographic records taken.

Angela Eagle: It is not current policy to fingerprint or photograph visitors to Dungavel Detention Centre, who are on official business including representatives from local authorities.

Community Relations

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on Home Office policies to improve community relations in areas which have suffered from recent disturbances.

John Denham: The Government took immediate steps in response to the disturbances last summer. In the short term, we made available 7 million to fund additional summer activities for young people. In addition 3 million has been made available to fund the appointment of community facilitators for those areas most in need.
	Other measures taken by Government and proposals for further action are set out in the report of the Ministerial Group on Public Order and Community Cohesion. That report will be published tomorrow together with the report of the independent Review Team, led by Ted Cantle, announced by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary in his statement of 10 July 2001, Official Report, column 663. Copies will be placed in the Library.

Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Bill

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the letters of reflection that are to be prepared by Ministers as a result of the scrutiny of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Bill, indicating in each case when the letter is to be deposited in the Library.

David Blunkett: Taking into account the consideration given to the Bill up to and including the second day of Lords Committee (29 November, 2001), the following letters have been prepared:
	
		
			 From To Date Subject 
		
		
			 Private Secretary to the Home Secretary Rt. hon. Denzil Davies MP 23 November SIAC and appeals 
			 Private Secretary to the Home Secretary Mark Fisher Esq. MP 27 November Definition of terrorist 
			 Lord Rooker Lord Dixon-Smith 28 November Disclosure of information 
			 Lord Rooker Lord Philips 28 November Disclosure of information 
			 Beverley Hughes MP Humfrey Malins CBE MP 29 November Security of pathogens and toxins 
			 Beverley Hughes MP Tam Dalyell MP 29 November Security of pathogens and toxins 
		
	
	I will ensure that copies of these letters are placed in the Library.

Victor Dan Iliescu

John Cryer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reach a decision on the application for leave to remain by Victor Dan Iliescu (HO Ref. JS33533/3(S); PO 01423/01).

Angela Eagle: Mr. Iliescu has now been granted leave to remain in the United Kingdom until 30 November 2006.

Young Offender Institutions

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the (a) use and (b) role in punishment and rehabilitation of young offender institutions run by the Army.

Adam Ingram: I have been asked to reply.
	The Army do not run young offender institutions for the Home Office. They do, however, operate the Military Corrective Training Centre (MCTC) in Colchester. The MCTC is a detention facility for men and women of the armed forces who have been sentenced to undergo a period of corrective training in accordance with the provisions of the Imprisonment and Detention (Army) Rules 1979.
	MCTC also provides rehabilitation training for those personnel that are to be discharged from the service, on completion of sentence, so that they develop their potential for self-sufficiency and responsible citizenship.

British Summer Time

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received in the past four years in respect of British summer time being retained throughout the year.

Alan Johnson: I have been asked to reply.
	To date, I have received two representations calling for British summer time to be extended throughout the year.

British Summer Time

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce GMT plus one hour in England and Wales throughout the year.

Alan Johnson: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government have no current plans to introduce GMT plus one hour in England and Wales throughout the year.

Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations the UK has made to the USA in respect of bringing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty into force before the end of this year.

Ben Bradshaw: I have been asked to reply.
	In order for the CTBT to enter into force, it requires the signature and ratification of 44 named states. At present, 31 of these countries, including the UK, have done so. The UK has consistently urged all states that have not yet done so to sign and/or ratify the Treaty. We continue to make our support for the Treaty clear to the US and others, most recently on 11 November in New York when the Foreign Secretary addressed the Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

HEALTH

Extra-contractual Referrals

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what statistics his Department has collected on the operation of the extra contractual referrals system.

John Hutton: The extra contractual referral system ended on 1 April 1999. Extra contractual referral income and expenditure information was collected in the financial monitoring returns of national health service trusts and health authorities. A table has been placed in the Library covering the years 199596 to 199899.

Parliamentary Questions

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by his Department were the subject of a holding answer in the last three sessions of Parliament.

Hazel Blears: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Year Number of named day parliamentary questions  Percentage receiving holding answers 
		
		
			 199899 1,271 25 
			 19992000 1,441 35 
			 200001 1,825 47

Parliamentary Questions

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will answer the question of the hon. Member for Maidenhead on bed blocking tabled for answer on 2 November (No. 12240).

Jacqui Smith: I replied to the hon. Member today.

NHS Expenditure

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was (a) the total expenditure on the NHS and (b) the total expenditure on counter-fraud work within the NHS in the last year for which figures are available.

John Hutton: The total net expenditure on the national health service in the year 200001 was 44.6 billion. The total expenditure of the NHS Counter Fraud Service during the same period was 4.45 million.

Health Expenditure

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the latest estimate for EU countries' expenditure on health in 2005 in (a) cash terms and (b) as a percentage of the relevant GDP.

John Hutton: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is the most reliable source of data for making comparisons of international health expenditure. The latest full set of figures published by the OECD is for 1998. The OECD figures do not include forecasts. The table shows the latest available figures.
	
		1998
		
			   Total health spend (US$ million, PPP(49)) Total health spend as a percentage of gross domestic product 
		
		
			 Austria 15,299 8.0 
			 Belgium 20,920 8.6 
			 Denmark 11,300 8.3 
			 Finland 7,782 6.9 
			 France 118,776 9.3 
			 Germany 193,697 10.3 
			 Greece 12,594 8.4 
			 Ireland 5,682 6.8 
			 Italy 98,806 7.7 
			 Luxembourg 958 6.0 
			 Netherlands 33,768 8.7 
			 Portugal 11,996 7.7 
			 Spain 46,798 7.0 
			 Sweden 15,328 7.9 
			 United Kingdom 89,432 6.8 
		
	
	(49) Purchasing Power Parity
	Source:
	OECD Health Data 2001

Correspondence

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letter of 16 October from the hon. Member for Aylesbury (ref. POH (4) 5009/18).

Jacqui Smith: A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 6 December 2001.

Care Homes (Inspections)

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each local authority (a) the sum spent on regulation of inspection of care homes in 200001, (b) the sum budgeted for regulation of inspection of care homes in 200102 and (c) the sum top-sliced for regulation of inspection of care homes in 200203.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested for the sum spent and the sum budgeted for regulation of inspection of care homes is not available centrally. Total expenditure on registration and inspection by each local authority in England in 19992000 is available at http://www.doh.gov.uk/ public/pssstat.htm, but this includes expenditure on the regulatory function for children under eight transferred to OFSTED.
	87 million has been transferred from the personal social services standard spending assessments for the National Care Standards Commission to reflect the transfer of the remaining registration and inspection function. This is shown for each authority in a table which has been placed in the Library.

Occupational Therapy

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what figures his Department collates on waiting times for NHS occupational therapy treatment; and if he will list these for each of the last five years.

John Hutton: The Department does not routinely collect data on waiting times for national health service occupational therapy treatment.

Wheelchairs

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he next plans to review the wheelchair voucher scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: There are currently no plans to review the wheelchair voucher scheme introduced in 1996.

Early Intervention Teams

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when and in what manner he intends to announce the outcome of the comprehensive review of progress on the development of plans for early intervention teams.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 31 October 2001
	Local implementation teams have completed their comprehensive reviews of services including early intervention mental health teams in readiness to deliver the new services required in the NHS Plan. The reviews have been instigated to support local planning, the outcome of which will be detailed in the local implementation plans.
	There is no intention to publish these local reviews on a national basis.

Bed Blocking

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Health to what extent the additional funding to be provided to local authorities to tackle bed blocking will be ring-fenced; and what categories of expenditure will be permitted for the funding.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 2 November 2001
	All of the additional funding will be ring-fenced. Further information can be found in the grant determination under section 93 of the Local Government Act 2000 of the Building Care Capacity Grant for 200102 which was published in November and placed on the Department's website www.doh.gov.uk/jointunit/delayeddischarge.

Coronary Heart Care (London)

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money has been made available to improving coronary heart services in hospitals within the Greater London area in each of the last three years.

John Hutton: Over the last three years, over 27 million has been made available specifically for improving coronary heart disease (CHD) services in London. The information is in the table.
	
		000 
		
			   19992000 200001 200102 
		
		
			 Capital (50) 10,802 (51)2,027 
			 Revenue (50) 8,519 5,888 
			  
			 Total  19,321 7,915 
		
	
	(50) No specific allocations
	(51) Estimated allocation to national health service trusts
	Capital funds shown are based on allocations to NHS trusts in London and revenue funds based on allocations to London health authorities.
	The 27 million is to support the delivery of priority areas identified in the National Service Framework for CHD that was published in March 2000.
	Health authorities will also have used their overall unified allocation to invest in coronary heart services. In addition to the above, over 2 million capital has been allocated specifically for primary care developments.

Public Service Agreements

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the performance indicators to be used for the measurement of the appraisals by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in pursuit of its public service agreement with his Department.

John Hutton: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, North (Dr. Gibson) on 5 November 2001, Official Report, columns 11820W.

Public Service Agreements

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the public service agreement target for the production of appraisals by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence by 31 March.

John Hutton: The public service agreement which formed part of the 1998 comprehensive spending review settlement included a target of establishing the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) by 1 April 1999 with a view to it producing at least 30 appraisals of new or existing technologies and guidance per annum from 200001. NICE was established and in 200001 published 21 appraisals, many of which covered more than one technology.
	The public service agreement incorporated in the 2000 spending review settlement does not contain specific targets for the production of NICE guidance.

Smallpox

Ian Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what strategy is in place to meet an epidemic of smallpox caused by terrorist action.

John Hutton: The Department has contingency planning in place to mitigate the effects of a bioterrorist act and to ensure response and recovery in conjunction with other Government Departments, the national health service and key public health agencies.
	Guidance has been issued to senior managers in the NHS on procedures to be followed in the event of a release of a biological agent, including smallpox.
	There are strategic stocks of vaccine which would be rapidly deployed for use as appropriate to the incident to contain any outbreak.

Lymphoedema

Ann Keen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to improve the level of health care administered by local health authorities to sufferers of lymphoedema.

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what system is used in the funding of lymphoedema clinics; if he will take steps to encourage a uniform service; and if he will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: It is the role of health authorities, in partnership with primary care groups and trusts, to decide what services to provide for their populations including those with lymphoedema. They are best placed to understand local health needs and commission services to meet them.
	We are currently developing a National Service Framework (NSF) for long-term conditions. The precise scope of the NSF has not yet been decided. Although it may not address lymphoedema directly, the NSF is likely to set general standards which will improve the quality of treatment and care for all people living with long-term conditions. It will help overcome problems of patchy provision of services. The Department is consulting the Long Term Medical Conditions Alliance, of which the Lymphoedema Support Network is a member, on the development of the NSF.

Performance Assessment System

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the measures of cost efficiency developed by his Department as part of the performance assessment system.

John Hutton: The performance indicators were published in July 2000 on the Department's website: www.doh.gov.uk/nhsperformanceindicators. This includes a number of efficiency indicators:
	day case rate;
	average length of stay;
	maternity unit costs;
	mental health unit costs; and
	percentage of prescribing on generic drugs.
	Since the indicators were published, the Department has carried out a wide ranging consultation exercise with a view to improving the quality and range of the indicators. An updated set of indicators is now being developed for publication before the end of the year.
	In addition, a new public service agreement target for value for money was agreed as part of spending review 2000:
	The cost of care commissioned from trusts which perform well against indicators of fair access, quality and responsiveness, will become the benchmark for the NHS. Everyone will be expected to reach the level of the best over the next five years, with agreed milestones for 200304.
	The aim of this new target is to ensure that cost-savings are not at the expense of service quality. The year 200102 is the first year covered by this new public service agreement target. We will be monitoring progress against this new target as data become available.

Medical Devices Agency

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the costs in (a) 200001 and (b) 200102 of the Medical Devices Agency.

John Hutton: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		 
		
			   200001 200102(52) 
		
		
			 Gross Expenditure 9,020,000 9,682,000 
			 Income 352,000 305,000 
			 Net Expenditure 8,668,000 9,377,000 
		
	
	(52) Estimated

Diabetes

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the advice available to diabetics on the safe disposal of their used needles; and if he will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: We would expect a person with diabetes who injects insulin to be advised by their doctor or pharmacist about the safe disposal of their used syringes and needles. Because of the potential hazards to refuse collectors, used syringes and needles should not be disposed of in the domestic waste. Local authorities have a duty to collect clinical waste on request, although they may levy a reasonable charge for doing so. Some general practitioner practices, hospitals and pharmacists also provide a collection service for clinical waste. GPs may prescribe the 1 litre Sharpsbin for the disposal of needles and contaminated waste.

Diabetes

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the Diabetes National Framework Standards by the end of November.

Jacqui Smith: We will be publishing the Diabetes National Service Framework Standards this year.

Diabetes

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what expenditure on diabetes was in each year since 1997 in the Tees health authority.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 6 December 2001
	Information is not collected on disease based costs in the format requested. It is not possible, therefore, to identify total health authority diabetes related costs.
	In the particular instance of diabetes a whole range of services are involved in the treatment of patients where the condition is a result of diabetes, for example ophthalmic services, renal services, general surgical services, primary care treatment and prescribing costs.
	The table shows the general medical services non-discretionary expenditure on the chronic disease management programme for diabetes, that was incurred by Tees health authority in each financial year since 199798.
	
		GMS non-discretionary expenditure on CDM Diabetes 199798 to -- 200001Tees health authority
		
			   
		
		
			 199798 115,711 
			 199899 113,665 
			 19992000 121,508 
			 200001 125,096 
		
	
	Note:
	200001 data are provisional
	Source:
	Annual financial returns for health authorities

Cardiac Surgery

Clive Soley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what account was taken of the complexity of cases referred to Hammersmith hospital for cardiac surgery in producing the performance tables.

John Hutton: The Department recently produced comparative data on mortality following a coronary artery bypass graft which were published by Dr. Foster alongside their own version of the same indicator. The Department's data are adjusted to take account of variation between trusts in the age and sex of patients treated and whether the patient is admitted to hospital as an emergency case or for a planned operation.

National Institute for Clinical Excellence

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to (a) alter the remit and (b) review the framework of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence; and if NICE includes the therapeutic requirements of specific diseases in its assessments of the efficacy of individual drugs.

John Hutton: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) on 22 November 2001, Official Report, column 416W.
	The precise methodology used in appraisals of individual therapies is for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence itself, but the institute's recommendations always take account of the specific features of the conditions in which the therapies are to be applied.

Tuberculosis

Howard Flight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have been diagnosed with tuberculosis in Arundel and South Downs in each year since 1990.

Hazel Blears: Information on statutory notifications of tuberculosis (excluding chemoprophylaxis) is available from the Public Health Laboratory Service.
	The Department collects information on tuberculosis as part of the hospital episodes statistics (HES) system, which contains details of patients admitted to and treated in national health service hospitals in England.
	The nearest available data for Arundel and South Downs are for local authority district, Arun. The numbers of patients treated in Arun is shown in the table.
	
		Finished consultant episodes (FCES)(53) by main diagnosis NHS hospitals England 199091 to 200001 Arun (local authority districtarea of residence) -- Tuberculosis
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 199091 (54) 
			 199192 9 
			 199293 (54) 
			 199394 (54) 
			 199495 (54) 
			 199596 10 
			 199697 10 
			 199798 (54) 
			 199899 (54) 
			 19992000 9 
			 200001 (54) 
		
	
	(53) An FCE is defined as a period of patient care under one consultant in one health care provider. The figures do not represent the number of patients, as one person may have several episodes within a year.
	(54) Means a figure between 1 and 5.
	Notes:
	The main diagnosis is the first of seven diagnosis fields in the HES data set, and provides the main reason why the patient was in hospital.
	The table uses ICD9 codes: O10-O18 (199091 to 199495) and ICD10 codes A15-A19 (199596 to 200001).
	Source:
	Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) Department of Health

Nursing and Residential Care Beds

Howard Flight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nursing and residential care (a) homes and (b) beds have closed in Arundel and South Downs in each year since 1997.

Hazel Blears: The number of residential and nursing care establishment closures in 1999 and 2000, together with the number of new registrations, are presented in the table. Information is not available centrally on the number of beds associated with closures or new registrations.
	
		Number of care home establishment closures and new home registrations in West Sussex -- Year ending 31 March
		
			  Residential(55) Nursing(56) 
		
		
			  Number of establishment closures 
			 1999 38 10 
			 2000 45 23 
			   
			  Number of new registrations 
			 1999 41 10 
			 2000 15 17 
		
	
	(55) Information presented for West Sussex county council.
	(56) Information presented for West Sussex health authorities.
	Source:
	Registration and Inspection Survey

Hospital Beds

Howard Flight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health in each quarter in (a) 2000 and (b) 2001, how many hospital beds were unavailable in Arundel and South Downs to incoming patients as a result of their occupation by (i) delayed discharge patients who were awaiting social services funding and (ii) delayed discharge patients who had fully funded social services packages arranged.

Hazel Blears: Information is not collected centrally in the format requested.
	Quarterly information for West Sussex health authority, for patients aged 75 and over, has been placed in the Library.

Hospital Beds

Howard Flight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many operations have been cancelled in Arundel and South Downs, in each quarter in (a) 2000 and (b) 2001, as a result of hospital beds being occupied by (i) delayed discharge patients who are awaiting social services funding or assessment and (ii) delayed discharge patients who had fully funded social services packages arranged.

Hazel Blears: Information is not collected centrally in the format requested.
	Statistics on the number of operations cancelled for non-medical reasons in each health authority are collected on a quarterly basis. Copies are available in the Library. The latest figures are for quarter 1 (April-June) of the 200102 financial year.

Hospital-acquired Infections

Howard Flight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS patients contracted hospital-acquired infections in (a) 2000 and (b) 2001 in Arundel and South Downs.

Hazel Blears: The information requested is not collected centrally.
	Comprehensive information about bacteraemias, including MRSA, has been collected from all acute trusts since 1 April 2001 and this will be published showing individual trust data from 1 April 2002.

Haemoglobinopathies

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will assess the effectiveness of the neonatal screening programme for haemoglobinopathies to be introduced next year; and what criteria he will use.

Jacqui Smith: The NHS plan sets out our commitment to introduce by 2004 a new and effective screening programme for women and children including a new national linked antenatal and neonatal programme for haemoglobinopathies.
	The effectiveness of the programme will be assessed by factors such as the uptake of screening, the effect of follow up treatment and experiences of the people using the service.

Haemoglobinopathies

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many bone marrow transplants were carried out in the United Kingdom during the past five years in relation to (a) sickle cell, (b) thalassaemia and (c) other haemoglobinopathies; and with what success rate.

Jacqui Smith: The latest figures at April 2001 show that 99 transplants for haemoglobinopathy have been reported to the United Kingdom Children's Bone Marrow Transplant Registry since 1993. 17 children have received transplants for sickle cell disease, 16 are alive (94 per cent.) and 15 (88 per cent.) are cured. 77 children with thalassaemia have been transplanted and have undergone 82 procedures. 69 are alive (90 per cent. ) and 62 (81 per cent.) are cured.

Haemoglobinopathies

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Standing Medical Advisory Committee has to issue a further report on sickle cell, thalassaemia and other haemoglobinopathies.

Jacqui Smith: The Standing Medical Advisory Committee has no plans to issue a further report on sickle cell, thalassaemia and other haemoglobinopathies.

Haemoglobinopathies

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what Government expenditure on directly commissioned research into (a) sickle cell, (b) thalassaemia and (c) other haemoglobinopathies was in (i) 1999 and (ii) 2000.

Jacqui Smith: The main Government agency for research into the causes of and treatments for disease is the Medical Research Council (MRC), which receives its funding via the Department of Trade and Industry. In 19992000, the MRC expenditure on all haemoglobinopathies was 815,000. In 200001, the MRC expenditure was 823,000.
	The Department funds research to support policy development and the delivery of effective practice in the national health service. Research programme and project details can be found on relevant websites, especially that of the National Research Register (NRR), all of which can be accessed through www.doh.gov.uk/research.
	The Department core funds the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination and 22 Cochrane Review Groups, one of which, on cystic fibrosis and genetic disorders, covers this area. Details of reviews can be found on the National Research Register and outputs can be found on the research findings register and/or the Cochrane Database.
	The financial information requested for Department of Health funded projects could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Management of much of the research supported by NHS research and development programmes is devolved. Expenditure at project level is not held centrally at this level of detail.

Consultants

Peter Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many more hours per week newly qualified consultants will be required to work in the NHS during their first seven years than before.

John Hutton: Our proposals for the new consultant contract, published in February, envisage that for an initial period, perhaps seven years, the terms of the contract would prevent those newly appointed consultants engaging in similar work outside the national health service.
	These proposals, alongside the British Medical Association's own proposals, form the basis of continuing negotiations.

Departmental Underspend

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to spend the 510 million that was allocated to his Department for 200001 but not spent.

John Hutton: All underspends from 200001 are planned to be spent in the current financial year.

Strategic Health Authorities

Matthew Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the viability of a West Mercia Strategic Health Authority based on Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

John Hutton: The consultation on proposals detailed within the Shifting the Balance of Power consultation document ended on 30 November.
	In considering the responses to consultation, Ministers will take account of views for and against the original options proposed, as well as other alternatives proposed during the consultation process.

Unallocated Funds

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the total unallocated funds within his departmental expenditure limit (a) at the start of the financial year and (b) to date; and what was the month seven forecast on outturn underspend against his departmental expenditure limit in (i) real and (ii) percentage terms.

John Hutton: The Department's Departmental Annual Report for 200102 contains the departmental unallocated provision (DUP), set for the present financial year in Annex A3 (current) and annex A4 (capital). Draw down of part of this DUP has been reported to Parliament at winter supplementary estimates.
	The amounts still left for the Department to draw down are 51.9 million capital and 4.8 million current provision.
	Outturn against six-month forecast for each request for resources will be published in the winter supplementary estimates summary request for supply as usual.

Digital Hearing Aids

Patsy Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what interim measures he plans to take to ensure continuity of service for those who have benefited from digital hearing aids in the 20 trial hospitals while awaiting the evaluation report from the Institute of Hearing Research.

Jacqui Smith: Patients who have been fitted with digital hearing aids as part of the pilot project will be followed up. This is an important part of the modernised service specification. Decisions about funding for a continued digital hearing aid service in these sites will be made in enough time to enable providers to plan services effectively for the next financial year.

Ambulance Trusts

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice his Department issues to ambulance trusts on the need to ensure interoperability of radio systems with other emergency services.

Hazel Blears: It is our intention to nationally procure a digital radio network for all national health service ambulance trusts in England. A fundamental requirement of the new radio network will be the fullest possible operational interoperability between the emergency services.

Overseas NHS Workers

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will rank in terms of (a) numbers and (b) as a percentage of the total those countries whose citizens are employed by the NHS as (i) nurses, (ii) doctors and (iii) other professional clinical staff in the most recent years for which figures are available.

John Hutton: The information requested for nurses and other professional clinical staff is not collected centrally. Validated information for doctors is available only for United Kingdom/European Economic Area/other. This is shown in the table.
	
		All doctorsEngland
		
			  1996 1997 1998 1999 2000  
			  Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage 
		
		
			 All doctors   
			 All countries of qualification 86,580 100 89,620 100 91,840 100 93,980 100 96,320 100 
			 United Kingdom 61,240 70.7 62,00 70.2 64,470 70.2 65,810 70.0 67,150 69.7 
			 Rest of EEA 4,590 5.3 4,700 5.2 4,690 5.1 4,890 5.2 4,790 4.97 
			 Elsewhere 20,760 24.0 22,010 24.6 22,670 24.7 23,290 24.8 24,380 25.3 
			
			 of which:   
			  General practitioners (excluding GP Retainers)(57),(58)
			 All countries of qualification 29,120 100 29,390 100 29,700 100 29,990 100 30,250 100 
			 United Kingdom 23,410 80.4 23,560 80.2 23,860 80.3 24,110 80.4 24,330 80.4 
			 Rest of EEA 930 3.2 1,000 3.4 1,020 3.4 1,100 3.7 1,170 3.9 
			 Elsewhere 4,770 16.4 4,830 16.4 4,820 16.2 4,770 15.9 4,760 15.7 
			
			  HCHS medical and dental staff  
			 All countries of qualification 57,470 100 60,230 100 62,140 100 63,990 100 66,070 100 
			 United Kingdom 37,830 65.8 39,350 65.3 40,610 65.4 41,690 65.2 42,820 64.8 
			 Rest of EEA 3,660 6.4 3,700 6.1 3,670 5.9 3,780 5.9 3,620 5.5 
			 Elsewhere 15,980 27.8 17,180 28.5 17,860 28.7 18,520 28.9 19,620 29.7 
		
	
	(57) All practitioners (excluding GP Retainers) includes GMS Unrestricted Principals, PMS Contract GPs, PMS Salaried GPs, Restricted Principals, Assistants, GP Registrars, Salaried Doctors (Para. 52 SFA), and PMS Others. GP Retainers were collected for the first time in the 1999 census; for comparability purposes they have been excluded.
	(58) The 1996 figures include estimates for 179 Assistants whose first country of qualification is unknown.
	Notes:
	1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10
	2. Percentages are calculated using unrounded figures
	Sources:
	Department of Health medical and dental work force census as at 30 September
	Department of Health General and Personal Medical Services Statistics as at 30 September 2000 and 1 October in previous years

National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the (a) membership and (b) remit of the National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group.

John Hutton: The National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group (NSCAG) is chaired by Dr. Mike Gill, the Regional Director of Public Health for South East Region.
	The current membership of the National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group is as follows:
	Dr. Mike Gill, NSCAG Chairman and Regional Director of Public Health, South East RO
	Dr. Chris Bayliss, Consultant Radiologist, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
	Professor Carol Black, Clinical Vice President, Royal College of Physicians
	Ms Jenny Brown, Director Nursing, Hull and East Yorkshire Health Authority
	Professor John Cox, President, Royal College of Psychiatrists
	Dr. Bernard Crump, Director of Public Health, Leicester Health Authority
	Dr. Keith Dodd, Consultant Paediatrician, Derbyshire Children's Hospital
	Professor George Elder, Pathologist, College of Medicine, Cardiff
	Mr. David Flory, Chief Executive, Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority
	Ms Linda Hamlyn, Chief Executive, West Hertfordshire Health Authority
	Mr. James Johnson, Chairman of the Joint Consultants Committee
	Mr. Eamonn Kelly, Director of Health Policy and Strategy, Coventry Health Authority
	Sir Peter Morris, President, Royal College of Surgeons
	Mr. Nick Relph, Chief Executive, Berkshire Health Authority
	Professor Stephen Tomlinson, Faculty of Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary
	Professor Kent Woods, Director of HTA, Leicester.
	NSCAG was established in 1996 to advise Ministers on the identification and funding of services where central intervention into local commissioning of patient services is necessary for reasons of clinical effectiveness, equity of access and/or economic viability. It superseded the Supra Regional Services Advisory Group (SRSAG).
	The terms of reference of NSCAG are as follows:
	To advise Secretary of State on:
	(a) the identification and funding of services under the Supra Regional Services arrangements;
	(b) the identification and funding of specialised services not qualifying for Supra Regional Service designation, but where there is an economic and/or clinical justification for contracting centrally for their delivery.
	(c) the commissioning of purchaser guidelines for specialised services where purchasing is best arranged through local purchasers by means of lead purchaser or purchaser consortium arrangements; and
	(d) funding the service costs of new developments, in those services for which it is likely to become the purchaser, to enable full evaluation to take place.

Psycho-Geriatricians

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how may psycho-geriatricians there were in England and Wales at the last date for which figures are available.

John Hutton: The data collected for England are shown in the table. The information relating to Wales is a matter for the devolved Administration.
	
		Hospital medical staff within the old age psychiatry specialty
		
			 England at 30 September 2000 Number 
		
		
			 All staff 860 
			 of which:  
			 Consultant 330 
		
	
	Note:
	Figures rounded to the nearest 10.
	Source:
	Department of Health 2000 medical and dental workforce census.

Hospitals

Ian Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the 10 largest hospitals in the United Kingdom, by number of beds.

John Hutton: The 10 largest hospitals in the United Kingdom, by bed numbers are:
	
		
			 Hospital Actual beds 
		
		
			 Queen's Medical Centre UHN NHS Trust, Nottingham 1,366 
			 Leicester Royal Infirmary 1,172 
			 St. James's University Hospital, Leeds 1,157 
			 Leeds General Infirmary 1,135 
			 Northern General Hospital, Sheffield 1,100 
			 Southampton General Hospital 1,088 
			 Nottingham City Hospital NHS Trust 1,050 
			 The Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, London 1,008 
			 Derriford Hospital, Plymouth 975 
			 University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff 960

NHS Morale

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on morale in the national health service.

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on morale in the health service.

John Hutton: We recognise that staff work hard for the national health service, often in challenging environments, and we are committed to ensuring that staff feel properly valued. We have initiated a wide range of initiatives to improve the working lives of all staff in the NHS which are outlined in the NHS Plan.

GPs

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners are due to retire in the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement on the effect on the health service of these retirements.

John Hutton: The Department does not collect information about retirement intentions of general practitioners. All unrestricted principals and equivalents (UPEs) have to retire as a principal by the age of 70. Around 2,200 UPEs will reach 70 by 2011.
	In addition there are a further 8,880 doctors who are currently aged between 48 and 58. We might expect a proportion of these doctors to also leave by 2011. A number of doctors continue to work in the national health service after they have claimed their NHS pension until they retire fully.
	The target increase in the NHS Plan for GPs is at least 2,000 more by 2004. The increases are based on an assessment of what is deliverable given the numbers expected to come out of training, and what is achievable through action on recruitment and retention. This assessment is set against the number of staff we expect to leave the NHS (leavers and retirements).

Linear Accelerator (Royal Shrewsbury Hospital)

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the need for a second new linear accelerator at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

John Hutton: The provision of a second linear accelerator service to replace the existing cobalt unit was approved in 2000. The new linear accelerator is expected to begin treating patients in spring 2002, forming part of the trust's plan to improve cancer services.
	Future decisions on service provision will be made through the North West Midlands Cancer Network, of which the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital National Health Service Trust plays a key part. Each trust has been asked to prepare a cancer service delivery plan that will become part of the network wide facilities strategy.

NHS Dentists

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in South Tyneside were registered with an NHS dentist in each of the years 1998 to 2001.

Jacqui Smith: The number of patients registered with a dentist in the general dental service (GDS) in Gateshead and South Tyneside health authority at 30 September for each of the years 1998 to 2001 is shown in the table.
	
		GDS: Number of registrations in Gateshead and South Tyneside HA, 1998 to 2001 (as at September each year)
		
			  Children Adults Total 
		
		
			 1998 50,553 138,018 188,571 
			 1999 51,604 139,808 191,412 
			 2000 50,905 139,565 190,470 
			 2001 50,618 142,949 193,567

New Hospital, Worcester

Richard Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for funding the provision of the extra beds for the new hospital in Worcester.

John Hutton: Significant investment has been made available nationally to accommodate the required increase in National Health Service capacity to ensure improvements in waiting times for elective surgery and the rapid treatment of emergency inpatients. This has recently been quantified in the national beds inquiry work.
	I am advised that in Worcestershire it has been agreed that 86 additional beds will be required in April 2002 over previous plans. This will be financed by additional resources earmarked to meet NHS planned targets. Local health groups are looking at the extent to which these could be replaced in the longer term with alternative facilities in the community. In the meantime, three wards in the Aconbury (East) Unit on the Newtown site of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust have been designated as medical beds.

Worcestershire Health Authority

Richard Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and if he will make a statement on the claim by Worcestershire Health Authority of a loss in value of its fixed assets in its 200001 Annual Accounts before the proposed sale of land and demolition of buildings.

John Hutton: The recognised accountancy bodies have a financial reporting standard (FRS11) that requires that an annual review of the buildings, plant and equipment of an organisation be undertaken where a change has occurred or is expected to occur in the use, and therefore the value of, the asset. These financial reporting standards issued by the recognised accountancy bodies are expected to be applied by all commercial organisations in the United Kingdom in the preparation of their annual accounts.
	This is known as impairment of fixed assets. FRS11 requires that the accounts should recognise the change in the value immediately.
	During the period 200001, the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals National Health Service Trust declared that there had been an impairment in the value of the Kidderminster Hospital Bewdley Road site due to the planned reconfiguration of service provision to develop the new diagnostic and treatment centre. The impairment was deemed to have been incurred when the trust's balance sheet was drawn up in June 2001 as there is 'a commitment by the trust's management to undertake significant reorganisation'.

Gutkha

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that Gutkha style products carry a health warning as required by the Tobacco Products Labelling (Safety) Amendment Regulations 1993.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 4 December 2001
	Oral tobacco products such as Gutkha are all required to comply with United Kingdom regulations and carry health warnings.
	However, we wish to ensure that people have full information and we are, therefore, seeking to develop greater awareness of the health risks associated with oral tobacco as part of our tobacco information strategy. Our Asian tobacco campaign launched in August, focused on high risk ethnic minority populations, to address the health risks of smoking and the use of oral tobacco in order to decrease demand for these products. It is envisaged that an important element of this campaign will be the close involvement of local community organisations and many of these groups are already involved in the planning process. We have funded a training pack for trading standards officers on oral tobacco.

Gynaecological Cancer Services

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what procedures are available to (a) contest and (b) appeal the decision by the Mid Anglia Cancer Network NHS to move gynaecological cancer surgery for women in Mid-Essex from St. John's hospital, Chelmsford, to Ipswich hospital, Suffolk;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on the reasons underlying the decision (a) not to enhance gynaecological cancer surgery at St. John's hospital Chelmsford and (b) to transfer the service to Ipswich hospital.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 4 December 2001
	The decision to centralise specialist gynaecological cancer surgery is in line with national guidance which specifies that specialised surgery for gynaecological cancers should be in a single centre of excellence serving a population of 1 million.
	The Mid Anglia Cancer Network currently carries out such work in Ipswich, Colchester and Chelmsford. The recommendation to establish the centre in Ipswich is based on Ipswich hospital having the facilities and capacity for development whereas Chelmsford or Colchester, the other sites serving the network, would have to wait for approximately five years for the completion of major capital schemes.
	Public consultation on setting up the Mid Anglia Cancer Network has already taken place. A main feature of this was that specialist services would be centralised and this was accepted and supported by the local community health councils, and others, after wide consultation.
	Further local public consultation, via the CHCs, will take place from January 2002 on the implementation of centralising gynaecology as the first of the rarer cancers and hon. Members' views would be welcomed.

Care/Support Services

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what plans he has to improve the management and training of care and support workers following the King's Fund report 'Future Imperfect';
	(2)  what action he intends to take to improve care and support services provision in accordance with the recent report of the King's Fund 'Future Imperfect';
	(3)  if he will take steps to change the titles of care and support services staff to personal care assistants or community care workers; and if he will make a statement on the promotion of their role.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 4 December 2001
	We welcome the publication of the King's Fund report Future Imperfect which contributes to the important debate about how to improve social services. We are already working with local councils and other agencies to raise standards across care. For example, on 9 October we published Building Capacity and Partnership in Care which encourages the development of a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of communities.
	As part of the National Training Strategy for Social Care in England, the National Training Organisation for Social Care (TOPSS) are working on the development of a comprehensive framework of national occupational standards for the social care workforce. These standards describe the tasks that a worker undertakes and determines their position in the career structure that is being developed with the qualifications framework. At present there are numerous different titles given to care and support services staff. However, by relating the work that they undertake to the relevant national occupational standards there will be a national understanding of the tasks that they are undertaking.
	On 19 October 2001, we announced a 1.5 million recruitment campaign, which is designed to increase the number of people interested in careers in social work and social care work. As well as tackling recruitment problems, this campaign is designed to raise public awareness of the work that is undertaken by staff in the social care workforce.